Chapter 722: Execute Changzhou! Clear Out the Imperial Court! [4200]

Anyone who has read "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" will not be unfamiliar with the "Secret Edict" in the Belt.

After Cao Cao welcomed Emperor Xian to Xudu, he was arrogant and domineering, using the emperor to control the princes, which made the ministers dissatisfied and the world resentful. The emperor wanted to get rid of Cao Cao, but because he had no real power and Cao Cao had many eyes and ears in the palace, he had to give the secret edict to Dong Cheng to plot a rebellion.

Dong Cheng announced to the public that he had accepted the secret edict in the belt of Emperor Xian of Han, and murdered Cao Cao with Zhong Ji, Wu Shuo, Wang Zifu, Liu Bei, Wu Zilan and others.

Qing Deng never expected that after more than 1,600 years, the "Secret Edict" would reappear in the distant island country of Japan, and it appeared right in front of him!

After a brief surprise, he refocused his mind, spread out the imperial edict in his hand, and took a closer look.

Since he entered the officialdom, Qing Deng rarely interacted with the court.

His work content and scope of authority had little overlap with the court.

However, he was one of the senior cabinet members of the shogunate, and had been appointed by the emperor (the Minister of War), so he knew what the imperial letter looked like.

In fact, to check the authenticity of the imperial letter, you only need to confirm one thing.

That is the anti-counterfeiting mark printed at the end of the letter paper - the emperor's seal!

The Emperor's seal is made of gold, with a side length of 3 inches (about 3.55kg).

The history of the Emperor's use of the seal can be traced back to the Asuka period.

Since the Asuka period, the material and size of the Emperor's seal have changed many times.

The current Emperor's seal is inscribed with the four characters "Emperor's Seal" in seal script.

Qing Deng stared at the end of the letter paper - the red emblem with the four characters "Emperor's Seal" was particularly eye-catching.

At this time, Matsudaira Yoshiyasu suddenly interrupted:

"Tachibana Hyobu, there is no need to doubt that this letter is indeed the Emperor's letter."

Since Matsudaira Yoshiyasu said so, Qing Deng did not doubt it.

"..."

Qing Deng frowned, pursed his lips, and thought.

Suddenly received the Emperor's imperial edict... Even though Qing Deng had experienced the vicissitudes of life, he couldn't help but feel Unbelievable.

Because this matter was so unusual, Qing Deng had to lower his voice and asked in a serious face:

"Lord Higo, this imperial letter...how did you get it?"

Matsudaira Yoshiyasu gave a brief summary:

"This was secretly handed to me by your Majesty's close confidant this morning."

He told the story.

Qing Deng listened carefully.

Qing Deng had no doubts about the whole process of Matsudaira Yoshiyasu obtaining the emperor's imperial letter.

Keeping in touch with the emperor - this was one of Matsudaira Yoshiyasu's basic tasks.

The function of the Kyoto Pacification Envoy was to pacify the Kyoto region and monitor the Fazhu Party.

The function of the Kyoto Guardian (Matsudaira Yoshiyasu's official position) was to monitor the Satsuma and Nagawa courts and protect the imperial palace.

In this way, Matsudaira Yoshiyasu's opportunity to contact the emperor was naturally far better than Qing Deng.

In addition, Although Matsudaira Yoshiyasu was a supporter of the shogunate, he always respected the emperor and the court nobles, and maintained a good friendship with the court nobles who supported the shogunate.

It is said that the emperor had a good impression of Matsudaira Yoshiyasu.

The nobles who supported the shogunate praised him as the "guardian of the royal city."

In terms of connections in the court alone, Aoto was far inferior to Matsudaira Yoshiyasu.

Aoto always hated the court officials.

The reason... has to start with Kazunomiya (the emperor's sister and Tokugawa Iemochi's main wife).

The group of bitching and stinking bitches around Kazunomiya really left a deep psychological shadow on Aoto.

Driven by this shadow, Aoto felt annoyed when he saw the court officials.

Moreover, he looked down on these short-sighted rats who were useless in both civil and military affairs.

Therefore, he always adhered to the principle of "staying as far away from the court officials as possible" "Leave", "ignore if you can".

In summary, it is only natural that Matsudaira Yoshiyasu was able to contact the emperor's confidants and then get the emperor's imperial letter.

After Matsudaira Yoshiyasu finished speaking, Qing Deng seemed to be thinking again.

Before that, he curled up the corners of his mouth, and his expression became strange and indescribable.

"It seems that...'The emperor is being held hostage' is not just a figment of the imagination!"

This imperial letter confirmed the previously widely circulated statement that "the emperor was held hostage". It is not a conspiracy theory that seems true or fantasy, but a definite fact!

It is not an exaggeration to say that if this matter is spread, it will definitely cause a huge sensation!

Qing Deng put the imperial letter back into the wooden box and continued.

"In this case, what are we waiting for?"

"The emperor is asking us for help. He doesn't want to be led by the nose by the Sonnōjō faction anymore."

"Lord Higo, we have the righteousness in our hands! "

Speaking of this, Qing Deng narrowed his eyes, changed to a sonorous and powerful tone, and said solemnly word by word:

"Punish Choshu and clear the court!"

To fight against the traitors who held the emperor hostage-looking at the entire history of Japan, there is probably no more sufficient reason for war than this!

Qing Deng's voice continued:

"The Aizu army has 1,000 troops."

He raised one finger.

"The Shinsengumi has 3,000 troops."

He raised three fingers again.

"The two armies work together, with a total force of up to 4,000!"

"It's enough to expel Choshu!"

According to the existing intelligence, the number of troops deployed by Choshu in Kyoto is roughly between 1,000 and 2,000.

4,000 vs. 2,000, the advantage is on my side!

With both a strong and reliable armed force and the righteousness of sending troops... With all the conditions in place, there is no reason not to confront Choshu!

As soon as Qingdeng finished speaking, Matsudaira Rongho let out a faint laugh: "Hehehe":

"Tachibana Military Department, our strength is more than 4,000!"

After Qingdeng heard this, he immediately raised his eyebrows.

Just as he was about to ask a question, he heard footsteps coming from far and near outside the door - judging from the sound, it seemed that there was more than one person coming.

"Lord."

It was Yamakawa Bie's voice.

"He's arrived."

Matsudaira Rongho laughed dumbly.

"Say Cao Cao and Cao Cao are here. Let him come in."

"yes!"

With a "swish" sound, the door opened, and a strong man got in - the light beside Qingden's knees suddenly dimmed.

This person's figure is so tall that it directly blocks the light and casts a wide and long shadow.

Qingdeng looked at this strong man and was stunned.

Strong arms, a thick and short neck, a strong bear-like figure, dark skin, a face full of flesh, and no anger and self-importance... This strong man is none other than the current actual leader of the Satsuma Domain - Saigo Yoshinosuke!

"Tachibana, long time no see."

Saigo Kinosuke was the first to say hello to Aoto.

Qingdeng calmed down his surprise and responded in a neither humble nor overbearing tone:

"Xixiang-kun, you are fine."

Saigo Kinosuke took long strides and sat cross-legged across from Aoto and Matsudaira Yōho.

Three people sitting on each side form an isosceles triangle.

Aoto looked at Saigo Kinosuke, and then at Matsudaira Yōho in front of him.

After all, he is also the governor of Gyeonggi Province who manages the state and discusses the Tao.

If he can't even see such an obvious political statement, then there's no need for him to mess around!

Soon, he realized the reason why Saigo Kinosuke was here.

"Higo-sama, Satsuma is willing to be our ally?"

Saigo Kinosuke spoke loudly before he could:

"Exactly! From today on, Satsuma is willing to advance and retreat together with the Shogunate and Aizu!"

Matsudaira Yongho explained half-step:

"Jubingbu, the 'Yamato Xingxing' announced by the imperial court not long ago is indeed a trick created by the Zunbo faction in Changzhou."

"They jointly planned with the ministers of the Zunban faction to rob the emperor to Choshu when His Majesty was on tour, and coerced the emperor to issue an edict, using the name of the emperor to order the shogunate to implement the banishment."

"If the shogunate refuses to submit, Choshu will march eastward and bury him in one fell swoop."

"However, the Zunbo faction in Changzhou was planning something secret and was discovered by Satsuma's spies."

"Therefore, just this afternoon, Satsuma took the initiative to send someone to contact me and expressed his willingness to assist us in expelling Changzhou together!"

Saigo Kinosuke answered:

"To be honest, I was really shocked when I learned that His Majesty had issued a belt edict to Higo-sama."

"This is probably the so-called 'when you want to sleep, bring a pillow'!"

"Our military strength already has the upper hand."

"Now there is great justice on my side."

“How can Changzhou be undefeated?!”

After the assassination of Lord Saionji, Tanaka Shinbei of the Satsuma Domain was identified as the murderer. Tanaka Shinbei committed suicide, and the Satsuma Domain was also implicated, and was stripped of his duty to guard the palace gates.

Judging from subsequent investigations and inferences... the real culprit who assassinated Xiyuanji Gongzhi was probably from Changzhou.

The Choshu people stole Tanaka Shinbei's sword, pretended to have escaped with the sword when assassinating Saionji Temple, and left the sword at the scene, thereby framing Tanaka Shinbei and then framed Satsuma.

The purpose is probably to punish Satsuma - who told you that Satsuma's position is not firm enough! If you are not determined to resist the foreigners, you are determined not to resist the foreigners! Should be killed!

Inexplicably being blamed for assassinating the minister... Satsuma was really unjust.

However, the strange thing is that even though he suffered such injustice, Satsuma did not argue, remained silent, did not take any action, and always showed an indifferent look.

Unexpectedly...the long silence turned out to be to hold back the ultimate move!

When the battle begins, the people of Choshu will be shocked to see the Satsuma flag flying in the enemy formation.

After listening to the two people's impassioned speeches, Aomori cast an intriguing look at Saigo Yoshinosuke.

After a moment, he said half teasingly and half seriously:

"Saigo-kun, are you Satsuma finally willing to bet?"

Saigo Yoshinosuke smiled reservedly:

“When tigers fight in the mountains, smart monkeys sit back and watch how it ends.”

Although Saigo Kinosuke said it tactfully, everyone understood it tacitly.

However, ridicule is ridicule. Regarding Satsuma's political acumen, Qingteng had to write a big word "accept".

Previously, they had been sitting on the fence, neither supporting the enemy nor resisting the invaders.

Finally, at the critical moment, bet accurately and join the camp that can definitely win.

Such a keen political sense is really admirable.

Compared with Choshu, which went completely crazy, Satsuma's political performance is undoubtedly much more mature.

It can be seen from this that Saigo Kinosuke, Komatsu Daito, Okubo Kazzo and others who led Satsuma are a group of real politicians!

"Then... after adding Satsuma's 2,000 troops, the total strength of our three families will be as high as 6,000!"

Qingdeng said while making a "6" gesture.

"An army of this size is enough to fight a large-scale joint battle!"

Saigo Yoshinosuke nodded lightly:

"Changzhou is definitely not our opponent."

"The only thing I'm worried about now...is the movements of Tosa Kin's party."

"As members of the Zunban faction with a radical style, the Tosa Kinnobu Party is very likely to lend a helping hand to Choshu."

"While we are concentrating on dealing with Choshu, if the Tosa Kinwang Party jumps out to disrupt the situation... I am afraid it will lead to serious consequences."

"Therefore, we should make the Tosa Kinou Party one of our imaginary enemies."

As soon as he finished speaking, Qingdeng said with a smile:

"As for Tosa... you can feel at ease."

"In order to completely eliminate the Tosa King's Party once and for all, I have already made careful arrangements."

"When the time comes, Tosa Kin's party will be wiped out overnight."

Saigo Kinosuke raised his eyebrows.

"Oh? It seems that I have already prepared for a rainy day, but I have no plan at all! I really shouldn't dig a well when I'm thirsty."

At this time, Matsudaira Yongho suddenly interrupted:

"We will discuss the specific action plan in detail later."

"Now...let us make a covenant first!"

Having said that, Matsudaira Yongho grabbed the saber beside his leg.

Seeing this, Aomori and Saigo Kinosuke picked up their respective sabers.

Choking, choking, choking - the three knives were unsheathed one after another.

The next breath - Keng, Keng, Keng - the three knives were put back into their sheaths in no particular order, making a crisp sound!

…

…

Killing Changzhou, Qing Jun side... It is impossible for a military operation of this level not to be reported to the superior.

Aoto and Matsudaira Yongho sent reliable spies to send a letter to Tokugawa Iemo overnight.

Soon, they received a brief reply from Tokugawa Iemo: Mobilize the army and conquer Choshu!

To put it simply, Tokugawa Iemo's idea is to take advantage of this opportunity to eradicate Choshu in one fell swoop!

Of course, it is certainly unrealistic for the 6,000 troops of the "Xinhui-Sa Allied Forces" to go on an expedition to the Western Kingdom and completely wipe out the Changshu Domain, which was defending the two countries.

Therefore, Tokugawa Iemo's request to Qingnobo and Matsudaira Yongho was simple - first expel the ministers of the Choshu and Zunbo factions from Kyoto and weaken their power as much as possible.

As for the next "expedition to the Western Kingdom and launching a general attack on Changzhou"... we will leave it to later.

Although Tokugawa Iemo said it very implicitly, anyone with a little brain would know what he meant by "weakening its power as much as possible".

A bloody war is inevitable!

With Tokugawa Iemo's permission, Aoto and Matsudaira Yōho no longer had any worries.

They secretly communicated with Saigo Yoshinosuke, exchanged opinions and negotiated together.

In the end, they made a careful battle plan - dispatching troops in the early morning of August 18 to block all the palace gates of the imperial palace and prohibit the people of Changzhou and the ministers of Zunbo from entering the imperial palace! Drive them out of Kyoto!

If they dare to attack, give them the title of "Chao Enemy" and raise troops to attack.

If they dare not attack, then lead their troops to attack and kill the Changzhou people as much as possible!

All in all, we must hit Changzhou hard!

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When talking about the emperor, Matsudaira Yoshiho and Saigo Kinosuke addressed him as "Your Majesty," while Aoto simply called him "Emperor." The similarities and differences in their attitudes toward the imperial court are evident.