Chapter 13 13. Anzheng Prison

After the New Year, it is the fifth year of Anzheng (1858).Ryoma Sakamoto is twenty-four years old. Ryoma celebrated the new year in the feudal mansion, and when the sun rose, he immediately went to the martial arts hall to pay New Year's greetings to the head master Chiba Sadakichi, and then accepted the congratulatory message from his disciples with Shigetaro. The disciples came one after another, first congratulated Shigetaro on the new year, and then said to Ryoma: "This year, Master Sakamoto will give you a lot of advice." In the afternoon, Chongtaro called Longwu to his room and said, "Let's celebrate together." Then he asked his wife Bacun to prepare the food and wine.

"Congratulations." Ryoma raised his cup and nodded slightly.His "congratulations" was not a New Year's greeting.As soon as the new year came this year, Chiba Shigetaro was invited by the Ikeda family in Tottori, Inshu, to serve as the head of fencing. Members of the Chiba family, as celebrities in swordsmanship, have received the trust and support of the various feudal clans headed by the Mito Tokugawa family. Since Shusaku, they have held positions in the feudal clans and run martial arts gyms at the same time.Of course, they all only worked in the Edo mansions of the daimyos of the feudal dynasties, and did not go to various parts of the vassal state.The same goes for Shigetaro, who goes to the Edo residence of the Ikeda family every three days.

"I'm most afraid of wearing an official uniform. And when I talk like this, I always feel that I can't get along with an official." Shigetaro shyly changed the subject and said, "Let's not talk about that, Xiaolong, what are your plans?" "Planning? I don't want to wear an official uniform." "That's right. It's not appropriate for you to wear an official uniform. That..." "what?" "Are you planning to return to your hometown this autumn?" "right." The duration of the study tour promised by the vassal state is only until this autumn.

"Can't you think of a way to stay in Edo for more time?" "Like not." The laws of the feudal clan are strict. If you stay in Edo beyond the time limit without authorization, you will be questioned and expelled from the feudal clan. "Edo will become deserted in the future." Shigetaro has the sentimentality unique to Edo people. "What are you going to do back home?" "I never thought about it." Ryoma was also a little disappointed.He hadn't thought about what he was going to do when he went back.The elder brother Quan Ping wanted to buy him a piece of land under the city and open a martial arts gym, but Ryoma had no such intention.It's too boring to be a martial arts master at a young age, marry a wife, have a child, and be an unknown country swordsman for the rest of your life.

At this time, the Tosa feudal mansion in Edo, in addition to the Honfu of Kajibashi, also had Chufu in Hibiya, Tsukiji, Samezu, and Sugamo had Shimofu, and Sand Village in Fukagawa had Desaifu. There are vassals stationed. As the power of foreigners became stronger and stronger, all feudal clans sent young people with lofty ideals to Edo to study and practice martial arts, especially those in Changzhou and Tosa.Due to the increasing number of young people, the Kajibashi Domain of the Tosa Domain even built several long houses. When these people set off from their hometowns, their parents and folks would tell them: Like Takeshi and Sakamoto, come back after learning a good kung fu.

Takeichi Hanheita and Sakamoto Ryoma are household names in Tosa.Takeichi Hanpeita in particular, was regarded as a child prodigy since he was a child. The adults in Tosa would say to those young people with good talents: "Learn from Hanpeita." One-chome slug has become the chief instructor of Chiba Martial Arts. Don't give up on yourself, work hard." Wu Shi is the representative of talented people, while Longma is yearned for by blunt talents.Wushi lives in the feudal mansion and loves cloud and rain, so he is welcomed by young scholars.I don't know when, a so-called "Wushi Party" formed among young people.

Ryoma is different.He doesn't like to live in a well-regulated feudal mansion, and almost always lives in the martial arts hall.Therefore, many of those young people who finally came to Edo from their hometowns did not even know what this legendary figure looked like. After the Chinese New Year, Wushi came to the Chiba Martial Art Museum in Tongcho, and said, "A lot of newcomers have come to my hometown, can I go back to the feudal mansion for four or five days? Everyone wants to see you." Ryoma scratched his shaggy temples and said with a smile that this matter was very embarrassing.

"Why is it difficult? Many people want to see you." "I know I know." The ones who either wetted the bed, cried a lot, or had a bad memory when they were kids, and they think Ryoma has the cure for stupidity. "Haha." Hearing this, Wu Shi also laughed out loud, and said, "No wonder you are embarrassed and misunderstood in this way. But let's go back." "Alright, it's okay to go back and live for a while." In the evening of that day, Ryoma returned to the feudal mansion. The young warriors prepared wine in the Wushi room, waiting for Ryoma to arrive.

Everyone is young.Apart from Takeshi, the twenty-four-year-old Ryoma was the oldest.Some even called Ryoma "Master Sakamoto".The young man in charge of hospitality took Ryoma and asked him to sit in the upper seat next to Wushi. "I can't sit here." Long Ma firmly resigned, but everyone refused.Ryoma looked around and found a row of people with strange expressions. The wine began to rotate among the seats, and everyone raised their glasses and drank in turn. Surprisingly, Ryoma handed them the cups, thinking, so I'm old too.It has been five years since he left his hometown and came to Edo at the age of nineteen.Before he knew it, he had become the predecessor of the young traveling students in the feudal mansion.

"Ryoma." Said Banheita, who is good at drinking, "We'll get drunk tonight." "Brother Wushi, you're welcome." "If you don't get drunk, you won't return." Someone started singing a ditty. As soon as Tosa's study tour students opened their mouths, they sang ditties, and sang each piece several times. According to the usual practice at the banquet, everyone sang their own tunes.Ryoma also tapped the tea bowl with his chopsticks and sang an impromptu song. Long Ma has been proud of this song since then, but it is actually very generous.

Among the crowd, there was a man with sharp eyes and good looks who suddenly drew his long sword and performed the sword dance "Honnōji".He danced the sword while singing, his swordsmanship and figure were extremely beautiful.Judging by his appearance, he is two or three years younger than Long Ma. "Hey, who is this?" Long Ma asked Wu Shi. "You don't know? He is the son of a large manor owner in Beichuan Township, Anyi County, and he is also a descendant of a warrior under Nagasoka's army. His name is Shintaro Nakaoka." "It's him." Ryoma had heard of this name before.Nakaoka is said to have a clear mind and act decisively. "Good looks." "If you were born in troubled times, you must be the one who wins the world." When Shintaro Nakaoka finished his sword dance and was about to return to his seat, Takeichi waved him over. "Nakaoka-kun, can you come here for a moment?" "What's the matter?" The indifference on Nakaoka's face was enough to disappoint.Only then did Ryoma remember that among all the people present, only this person did not come over with a cup and asked him to pour him wine. "What's the matter?" Lian Wushi couldn't hold back his face, and said, "I just asked you to come and sit." "Mr. Wushi, do you always order people around for no reason?" "I ask you, why don't you come here? We are only three steps away." "Even if there are only three steps, I, Shintaro Nakaoka, will not move around for no reason." monster!Longma secretly said. Wu Shi said, "There is only one simple reason." "Then please tell me." "Sakamoto-kun is here. I want to introduce you to him." "Don't bother." Hearing this, Ryoma and Takeshi were very surprised: Isn't this intentional to find trouble? "Why?" "I'm not interested in swordplay." "Mr. Nakaoka," Takeshi picked up the knife and said angrily, "How dare you insult senior? I am also a swordsman." "Mr. Wushi, I admire you because you want to use your sword for great affairs in the world. But the one next to you is just a swordsman. Offended, but what I said is the truth. He has a sword on his waist, but it seems I don't understand the great changes in the world at all, and I don't know what we should do for the younger generation. I don't bother to look at this person." Ryoma's eyes widened in surprise. "Nakaoka-kun," Takeshi stood up holding the knife, "let's go outside. I won't allow my friend to be insulted." "Let me come down and teach this kid a lesson." It was Okada Izo who jumped up.Because his identity is ashigaru, he has been sitting silently in the lower seat.He saw Ryoma being insulted like this, and he couldn't take it anymore.Moreover, as Wushi's disciple, he probably thought that instead of letting his master do it himself, it would be better to vent his anger on Longma himself. "I'll come. Mr. Nakaoka, go outside." His knife was out of its sheath. Ryoma sighed, lowered his head modestly, and said: "Mr. Zhonggang, you are right. I have no education, I don't know everything, I don't know the changes in the world, and I don't know the ambition of the king. I only know how to dance Beichen's sword style." Two long knives." The audience was silent.Everyone was very nervous, thinking that Ryoma would blame Nakaoka for his rudeness and drew his sword, not really thinking that he was apologizing to Nakaoka. "Mr. Sakamoto," Nakaoka didn't know what to do after hearing this, "I have this kind of temperament, and I can't sleep at night when I think of the world. However, we Tosa young people finally arrived in Edo, but we were addicted to For fun, memorize a little song and you will be very proud, more or less serious, but you only know how to practice swords, and you don't know how to worry about the country. So I feel worried, just like tonight, when I drink some yellow soup, my blood boils, which disappoints everyone .” Hearing what he said, it seemed like he was talking nonsense after drinking. "No, you are a hero." Ryoma said sincerely, "Although you were born in the mountains of Kitagawa Township, Aki County, Tosa, your heart is devoted to the world. Even if you are drunk. I should learn from you. I was stupid since childhood, but I will Start from the last minute, and I will accumulate time and money until the world needs me. Before that, even if I only know how to practice swords, please don’t be offended.” "I'm sober." Nakaoka sat down in front of Ryoma, "I'm sorry, it was all drunk talk just now." "Oh, is that wine talk?" Long Ma said naively. "Exactly." "I'm very surprised. I thought you were giving me advice, but it turned out to be drinking." "This……" "You're apologizing for your drinking? A samurai says it all. I don't like it when you say something and then admit it's nonsense or apologize." "Then I won't apologize." "Okay." Ryoma put down the cup and said, "It should be much more enjoyable if you tell me about the gold nugget in your chest. But can you also make me happy?" "Please." Ryoma suddenly grabbed Nakaoka's chest.Nakaoka wanted to push his hand away, but he couldn't move it. "Offended." Ryoma clenched his fist and swung it forcefully at Nakaoka's face. "oops!" "It's fun like this. Nakaoka-kun, let's drink." Long Ma's behavior has been lingering in Wu Shi's mind ever since. Obviously a hero.Wu Shi thought to himself, but he doesn't care about the world and the country, he just concentrates on practicing swords.In this way, he can only become a swordsman.but…… The next day, Shintaro Nakaoka came to Takeshi's room, knelt on the ground and called "Master Takeshi".Nakaoka learns swordsmanship at Momoi Martial Art Museum, and Tobuichi, Momoi's head coach, is naturally his master. "I asked Master to forgive me for what I did to offend Mr. Sakamoto after drinking last night." "It's useless to apologize to me. Don't lose your temper after drinking." Takeshi, like Yoshida Shoin from Changzhou, likes to preach. "yes." "However, Sakamoto had already taught you a lesson at that time, so let's end this matter." "Sakamoto-san's strength is amazing." "No, it doesn't surprise me..." Ryoma hit Nakaoka with a smile on his face, and said with a smile on his face after the beating: "Let's drink." Is this an ordinary person?However, what surprised Takeshi even more was that Nakaoka, who was beaten, raised his glass and invited Longma to drink with him. Nakaoka is full of ambition, but has a violent temper. However, after being punched hard by Ryoma, he became as docile as a cat and sang a little song or two.Does Ryoma really have something beyond the reach of others?But because of this, Wu Shi felt even more pity. "What a pity." Takeshi sighed to Nakaoka. Nakaoka nodded, "The disciple is indeed rude, but the disciple's view of Mr. Sakamoto has not changed." "What should I do? Teach him?" Takeshi continued to preach, "If such a person is taught well, he will not only become a hero of the Tosa clan, but even a hero of the world, no, he will even be famous in history." "Let's do it together. If you don't teach Mr. Sakamoto well, the disciple will be beaten for nothing." Nakaoka Shintaro later left Tosa and defected to Changzhou, traveled around, and finally gathered the vagrants from Beijing and China to form a land aid team. He served as the captain and showed his skills in the world.This is all for later. There is a word called late bloomer.This word may only be used to describe Ryoma.In fact, many people in later generations have speculated and imagined what Ryoma was thinking after the Ansei Zhuliu's martial arts competition, but they still couldn't understand it in the end.In this regard, the same goes for his older friend Takeichi Hanheita and his younger friend Shintaro Nakaoka. What the hell is he thinking?For a wise man like Takeshi, Ryoma's confusion must be a mystery. Saigo Takamori, who was called the father of the Restoration together with Sakamoto Ryoma in the future, was already active in Edo and Kyoto on the issue of the heir to the shogun, under the secret order of his lord Satsuma Lord Shimadzu Saibin, and Katsura Kogoro He is interested in coastal defense, offers advice to the lord Maorihou, and occasionally learns Western artillery.Of the three key figures in the history of the Restoration, only Ryoma was still sleeping, and he never even dreamed that he would become such a character. The three protagonists of the Restoration History, the script and rumors of this great drama have all appeared.The most notable is Yoshida Shoin.In March of the first year of Ansei, he took a small boat to a U.S. warship in an attempt to go abroad secretly, but was rejected by foreigners, so he was imprisoned in the large prison in Denmacho, Edo.The twenty-five-year-old Shoin smuggled out of the way, in the eyes of the shogunate, Perry's soldiers were very surprised. Perry's "Japanese Expedition" has the following records: Shoyin was arrested and imprisoned in his hometown of Changzhou. Soon after, he was placed under house arrest at his parents' Shan family. It is now the fifth year.According to the law, Shoin will be executed in Edo in the sixth year of Ansei.During the several years under house arrest, he taught disciples in the Matsushita Village School. Among them, radicals among the reformers emerged in large numbers, including Katsura Kogoro, Takasugi Shinsaku, Hisaka Genzui, Ito Hirobumi, Yamagata Aritomo, Shinagawa Yajiro, Yoshida Minoru Moro, Yamada Kenyoshi, Maehara Issei, Masuda Tansho, Nomura Yasushi, Irie Sugizo, etc. Times have changed, the situation has changed, only the twenty-four-year-old Ryoma has not moved.He still devotes himself to fencing.In fact, he has become obsessed with swordsmanship.He was at the age when he was beginning to understand the sword. Discussing such important matters as the world and the country should be left to people like Gui or Wushi.Although he was reluctant in his heart, his low self-esteem all along made him have to think so.He has always stubbornly believed that he is a stupid person.This idea was instilled in him by the teachers in the school when he was young.Mr. Kusuzansosuke, a private school in Daizen Town under the castle, was shocked by Ryoma's poor memory and refused to teach such a student.The inferiority complex rooted in the heart of a teenager is not so easy to eliminate.But in terms of swordsmanship, Ryoma is confident enough.The only place where he can display his talents is the martial arts arena. No matter Gui or Wushi, if he competes with Longma, he will lose.Therefore, it is understandable that Longma is keen on swordsmanship. Times are changing, and Ryoma knows it too.Moreover, the Chiba Martial Art Museum in Barrel Town, where he lives, has become a playground for young debaters. In Edo, there are three places where passionate samurai gathered. Kanda Tamaike and Orucho Chiba Martial Arts, Saito Yakuro Martial Art of Kojicho Shinto Munen-ryu, and Momoi Haruno Martial Art on the banks of the Kyobashi Clam River. These three martial arts halls each recruited more than a thousand martial arts students.According to the future, they are like the University of Tokyo, Waseda University and Keio University. They were all young people who lived in the Edo mansion or came all the way from Kyushu, Oshu and other remote feudal states, and they were young in blood.They learn swordsmanship, get together to discuss state affairs, exchange knowledge, brew ambitions, and become a man of lofty ideals within one year of schooling. Restoration patriots even include members of the Shinsengumi of the Saba faction, most of whom came from these three martial arts schools.Without these three martial arts schools, Japanese history might change its direction. Most of their ideas are heard from their swordsmanship partners. It is difficult to say who is their teacher, because they are all formed in the process of learning from each other. Ryoma is detached and independent, or is deliberately avoiding.Those things are too difficult to understand.The inherent inferiority complex made him make a helpless choice. One day at the end of April in the fifth year of Ansei, Takeshi Hanheita brought his disciple Okada Izo to the Chiba Martial Art Museum in Otsucho. This time he came to "teach" Ryoma. Ryoma is practicing sword.Wushi likes to argue with others, Longma doesn't think so, but Longma will miss him very much if he doesn't see him for a long time.He immediately stopped, led Wu Shi into the guest room, and said, "Brother Wu Shi, what's the matter?" Wu Shi immediately asked back, "A major event has happened in the world, do you know?" Long Ma replied calmly: "I don't know." Just as he was talking, Chongtaro, the peacemaker, came over and said, "Oh, isn't this Mr. Wushi? You have come from a long way, Xiaolong, who doesn't know how to serve wine." Then he shouted at Bacun: " Wine, wine." Ryoma said impatiently: "Brother Chong, it's only evening. Although everyone who can drink today has arrived, it's not the time to drink. Besides, this Mr. Wushi is speaking to the world today, so we have to listen carefully." "Okay, okay." Shigetaro sat down with a smile. Wushi gave a solemn salute to Shigetaro, and said, "Hikone Houjing Yisao Butou Naobi has become the boss." Ryoma was not surprised.With Jing Yi's family background, this is a matter of course.The Jingyi family holds 350,000 shi, and is the strongest among Tokugawa genealogy daimyos, and the Jingyi family has been the elder for generations. Zhibi is arrogant and unyielding.Moreover, his "ignorance and violence" is already well known among people of insight.He is a lucky star.He was originally a concubine, and he was the fourteenth son. When he was young, he lived in a hut in the city and received two hundred shi.Unexpectedly, his brothers died one after another, and he ascended to the position of feudal lord in his middle age.In order to enter the shogunate, he took various activities, and once sent 30 gold bars to the old Nakamatsudaira Igamori.Although Songping refused his bribe, he was very happy because of it, and made a lot of convenience for Zhibi, allowing him to step into the general's mansion. What Wu Shi said surprised Ryoma quite a bit, Wu Shi even knew about this kind of thing? Compared with the Mukaku, the biggest force outside the Mukaku is Qi Zhao from the Mito family, the most powerful of the Tokugawa Gosan.This family has been the most loyal to the general among the three hundred princes since Mito Guangguo.In short, the Mito Tokugawa family is like the lair of the king-respecting faction. Moreover, Qi Zhao has a tough and violent temperament, and often interferes in the political affairs of the shogunate.There are three daimyos who support Qi Zhao, the most powerful one is Echizen Hou Matsudaira Harugaku, followed by Satsuma Hou Shimadzu Qibin and Ryoma's lord Yamauchi Toyonobu.They each have famous ministers who assist their vassals.Echizen has Hashimoto Souchi and Nakane Xuee, Satsuma has Saigo Takamori, and Tosa lacks such talents.These things are what Wushi heard from Echizen Hou Wenshu Hashimoto's left inner. "Then," Wu Shi said, putting the iron fan on his lap, "let's talk about the changes of the times." Ryoma suppressed a laugh and scratched his head.He knew the purpose of Wushi's trip, and it's not common for people who like to be teachers. "Baiyangren, Perry is here..." Wu Shi began with this. That was when Ryoma first came to Edo, six years in Jiayong, five years ago.At that time, in order to force the shogunate to open the country, Perry deliberately used the fleet to demonstrate and intimidate Japan.The shogunate was weak and servile, but the country samurai, influenced by Mito studies, were excited.It was from that time that in the more than sixty feudal clans, the theory of banning barbarians arose. Later, Tsarist Russia came.At that time, Tsarist Russia was called "Red Yezo".Lin Ziping, a pioneer during the Kanzheng period, once said: "Akaedu has always had the intention of expanding the sphere of influence in the north of our country, and it will become the bane of Japan in the future." Shortly after Perry came to sail, in July of the sixth year of Kayong, Tsar Nicholas I sent his envoy Putiyating to Nagasaki. Tsarist Russia knew that the shogunate had been frightened by the US fleet, so it said: "In doing business with our country, Japan can not only gain business benefits, but also military benefits. If the US invades your country, we will use the fleet to send troops to fight against it." .” Putiyatin's attitude is completely different from that of Perry who threatened with gunboats.They win over the Nagasaki magistrate who is in charge of the shogunate's diplomacy, invite the officials of the magistrate to the warship, and show them slides. "Please look at something interesting." The slideshow consists of several parts, and the one that comes out at the beginning is an elephant.The elephant started to move, and everyone was amazed.Just then, a voluptuous Russian beauty appeared, and she kept dancing.After that, the beauty began to take off her clothes one by one, until she was naked at the end.A man appeared, and the two began to act out secrets in the room. The officials of the magistrate kowtowed to express their gratitude, and added this sentence to the document sent to the Edo shogunate: "Tsarist Russia is very friendly, unlike the United States." Therefore, in Edo, the pro-Russian theory has an absolute advantage, especially in the coastal defense station where there are many talented people in the shogunate. Almost everyone said: "We just need to borrow Russian warships to drive away the American devils." At this time, Tsarist Russia is sinking into the quagmire of the Crimean War, retreating steadily, but how can Japan know this? "At this moment, another Harris came to the United States." Takeshi said. Takeshi Banping is good at poetry and prose, as well as eloquence. Under Perry's strong pressure, the shogunate signed treaties with the United States, Britain, Russia, and the Netherlands, but these were still only "friendship" treaties, not trade treaties.Therefore, in July of the third year of Anzheng, the American Harris entered Shimoda Port as the Consul General in Japan, and said to Shimoda: "I am the secret agent of the President of the United States. The President wants to conclude a trade treaty with your country. I have sent the letter of credence I want to meet the general and present my credentials in person." He adopted the same tough attitude as Perry. The shogunate suddenly became chaotic.The shogunate certainly did not want foreigners to enter Edo, and it was impossible for Harris to meet the general. Everyone made statements in all directions, trying to persuade Harris.However, this businessman-born diplomat was stubborn and said: "If your country does not agree to our request, the President does not rule out the possibility of using extraordinary measures." It's not just verbal intimidation.In fact, last September, Britain attacked the Qing Dynasty and burned Guangdong. Mukaku also knew about this, so he had to obey, first concluded the "Shimoda Treaty" with him, then allowed Harris to go to Edo, and finally let him have an audience with the general.However, due to public opinion, the shogunate did not implement the promise of the founding of the country (the conclusion of the trade treaty), but finally succumbed to Harris's tough attitude. The emperor's approval is required. However, obtaining the emperor's permission was a big challenge.At this time, Emperor Xiaoming, the emperor, was very afraid of Yang Yi.The officials and nobles around the emperor have not really been in touch with political affairs for three hundred years. They basically have no knowledge about political affairs, Japan's national power, and overseas.Moreover, around these ministers, ronin and Confucian scholars from various feudal clans who went to Beijing gathered, all of them were extreme anti-barbarians, and they kept indoctrinating the nobles of the ministers. Although Edo has decided to open the country, Kyoto is still shrouded in complete secrecy, and there is no sign of ratifying the founding treaty. Edo and Kyoto were opposed.If Edo wants to abide by the treaty signed with Harris, it must first suppress the commentators who haunt Kyoto, which will scare the nobles and nobles. "Oh, interesting." Ryoma sighed after hearing these words.But looking at the expression on his face, it seems that he is listening to a storyteller in a bookstore. Soon it was August in the fifth year of Ansei, and in another month, Ryoma's study tour deadline would come, and he had to leave Edo by then.A swordsman is about to disappear in Edo. Chiba Shigetaro sighed every time he saw Ryoma.As the date approached, Sanako became more and more melancholy.Recently, she hardly goes to the martial arts gym, and stays behind closed doors all day long. Seeing his sister like this, Shigetaro felt sad, but he couldn't make Ryoma marry her.He took a closer look at Ryoma, and found that he didn't hate Sanako, but he seemed to have other expectations, so when he mentioned Sanako, he would always run away.The fate of men and women is really hard to say.Shigetaro sighed. People at this time often attribute everything to fate.Ryoma and Sanako may not have that kind of wonderful fate. At this time, Takeichi Hanpeita probably also felt that he and Ryoma were not in the same way, and that they would not get together in the end, so he couldn't help but feel very discouraged. Since the first month of this year, Takeichi has come to the Chiba Martial Art Museum in Otsucho two or three times a month to discuss current affairs and teach Ryoma, but Ryoma still doesn't seem to have received any "influence" and is still confused. On this day, Wu Shi came again and began to give his current affairs class again.Ryoma suddenly let out a big yawn.Seeing this situation, Wu Shi, who usually never shows his emotions or anger, finally showed his displeasure, thinking: This guy, is he a piece of wood after all? "What's wrong with that Harris?" Ryoma sat on the ground, stretched out his feet, put his hands behind his back to support his body, and looked lazy.He's always in this position.Takeshi, who is cautious and upright, is very uncomfortable.How can a junior who is being taught have such an attitude?Really angry. Wu Shi was furious, but after all he likes to be a teacher, so he finally decided to continue preaching.But Harris couldn't wait in the end, and said angrily: "We originally thought that Edo was the real power of your country, but now it seems that this is not the case. If Edo cannot sign a contract with us, we will go to Kyoto to deal with it." After hearing this, the shogunate panicked.If Harris really went to Kyoto, Edo would be wiped out immediately, and foreigners would think that the imperial court had the final say. In April of the fifth year of Anzheng, Jingyi Naobi took office as the elder.Jing Yiran decided to sign a contract with Harris without the court's permission.As a result, the flame of the theory of respecting the king and fighting barbarians burned like a prairie fire. It was only one month before Ryoma left Edo, and his youthful years would come to an end.He does feel a little lost. Recently, even Takeichi Hanpeita advised him: "Ryoma, ask your elder brother to go to the feudal mansion to find out and extend the period of study tour in Edo. Times are changing. If you want to be a useful talent, you can only Stay in Edo. What's the use of being stuck in my hometown all day doing nothing?" On this day, Gui Xiaowulang suddenly came to Chiba Martial Arts Hall. "Sakamoto-kun, I heard you're going back?" Even Katsura from the Saito Martial Art Museum has heard that Ryoma is going back to his hometown. It seems that this matter has spread among young swordsmen. "Going back, I can't think about it." Longma felt a little disappointed.When he thought of leaving these people and returning to the desolate and remote Tosa alone, he couldn't calm down for a long time.However, it was inconvenient for Gui to persuade him not to return, because they belonged to different feudal clans, and they couldn't just intervene in such matters.So he gushed about what happened to him recently. "My situation is a little different." "Can I apply for an extension?" "No, it's not." Although Katsura and Ryoma belonged to different domains, they had the same status in Edo, and they were both students traveling at their own expense.However, their identities in the domain are different.Gui is a sergeant in the feudal clan, so even if he lives in Edo, he can still give opinions to the feudal lord and the elders, so his outstanding talent has been recognized by the feudal kingdom. Although Gui didn't show any pride verbally, his joy was beyond words. "Recently, I have been promoted to be the chief inspector of the feudal kingdom." Although the Gui family used to receive the salary of the vassal state, they had no actual official positions.Gui, who has no official position and is only a traveling student, is suddenly promoted to the position of chief prosecutor, which can be said to have reached the sky in one step. "It's really gratifying, congratulations." "Where, the next is the time to show your talents. Not only my domain, but now all domains in the country still retain the system of the Warring States period, so naturally they cannot cope with the national crisis that has come. In my opinion, the domain system must be reformed first. " Longma is just a countryman, and Gui's words are like a dream to him.In his capacity, let alone the reform of the vassal regime, he couldn't even talk to the lord of the vassal. "And," Gui said happily, "I may also return to Fan this fall." "Why is that?" Gui has a surprising reason-the vassal government wants to hear his opinions on the reform of the vassal government. "Actually..." Gui blushed, "We still have to get married." "That's wonderful. Deserved to be married." "Brother Sakamoto, you have to marry a good wife quickly." "This..." Long Ma put his hand on his chin. He wanted to say that he couldn't support his family now. "I'm the second son of a rural family. I'm married, but I don't have a salary to support my family. If I marry a wife, I won't starve her to death." Dried fish?" "Oh, that's how it is." Gui Butong was humorous, as if he really thought that Longma's daughter-in-law would turn into dried fish. "How about the future wife?" Ryoma asked with a smile.Like most men, he is still longing for the bride. "It's the daughter of the same clan Shido Heigoro, called Fuzi. I haven't seen it yet." "Is she a beauty?" "I heard it is." "That's very good." Longma couldn't help speaking his hometown dialect again.He blesses Gui from the bottom of his heart.Long Ma was twenty-four years old, and as a man, he envied Gui.I don't have a daughter-in-law, and I don't have a family like Gui, and I don't have any family business to inherit when I return to my hometown.Am I the only swordsmanship of Beichen Yidao Style? Longma sent Gui away, returned to the martial arts hall, put on the protective gear, and began to practice hard.Who does Gu Jian sue?This is his state of mind these days. The days passed.One evening when it was nearly September, he, who usually seldom reads, started reading in his room.At this time Sanako came in. Because Sanako was the master's daughter, Ryoma always felt restrained when he saw her, but he didn't show it at the moment.He turned the cushion he was sitting on to Zuo Nazi and said, "What's the matter, miss?" "You are reading, it is really rare. "Japanese Foreign History", or "China and North Korea Facts"?" "No, I'm ashamed." Ryoma scratched his head and said, "It's "Travel on the Tokaido." "Ouch!" Zuo Nazi looked helpless, "You read this kind of book as a kind of pleasure, and it is of no benefit to yourself." "Really? But this time when I return to the feudal domain, I want to compete with swordsmen from other schools on the way back along the Tungkaido. That's why I read this. The characteristics of posthouse expenses, local products, horse rental, etc. are all written on it." .very convenient." I really don't know the family's sorrow and the country's hatred, Zuo Nazi sighed. Today's samurai, as long as they have a bit of blood, will read "Nippon Gaishi" or visit the learned men in Edo to explain the truth and cultivate the heart of respecting the king.It's all the rage these days.However, Ryoma was reading a comic novel written by an ordinary person and laughing alone in the room.Is this person a stranger, or a fool? But for Ryoma, there was a reason for reading this book.If you want to feel empowered on your journey home, read these travel articles.This book is not only interesting, but also practical. "Master Sakamoto." "What's the matter?" Ryoma raised his head. "Can you accept..." A blush flashed across Sanako's cheeks, "Shall I give you a farewell gift?" Long Ma panicked, and said, "Thank you. What is that thing?" "That thing?" Sanako felt very disappointed.What a country boy, who doesn't know how to speak. "It's luggage, worn on the road." "haha." "I'm ashamed to say it. I don't know how to do needlework. I asked my sister-in-law to teach me how to do it. I didn't do it well, but I finally finished it." Ryoma bowed his head in thanks. Sanako untied the bundle lying beside her, took out a set of traveling clothes, and handed it to Ryoma. "It's better to be respectful than to obey, then I will accept it." A black silk patterned suit, cape, horse jacket, and even a raincoat are all complete. It must have taken a lot of effort.It must be out of extraordinary affection for a woman to make clothes embroidered with the other's family pattern for a man.Ryoma didn't know what expression to make, and was very embarrassed, so he picked up the tattoo and rubbed the protruding part with his fingers. "What are you doing?" Sanako said harshly.In fact, due to Sanako's poor needlework, the stitches were wrinkled. "this……" "It's no good for you to grind like that. I'm not good at needlework." "But..." Ryoma picked up the light blue raincoat and said, "This is well done." "That's from White Log House." Long Ma was embarrassed. A few days later, something big happened. The so-called major event is the Anzheng Prison. The old man Ii Naosuke ordered the arrest of those who opposed him in Edo and Kyoto because of the issue of the treaty and the successor of the general.The incident happened on the fifth day of September in the fifth year of Anzheng. Of course, not everyone was arrested at once.From this day until the end of the second year, the punishments of living in seclusion, thinking about mistakes, and living in seclusion were imposed on the nobles and daimyo respectively.As for the so-called patriots, they were arrested and sent to prisons in Edo, where most of them were executed.The tragedy lasted for a year. However, ten days after the storm started, Ryoma put on his travel clothes, carried his luggage with a bamboo sword, and walked out of the Chiba Martial Art Museum in Otsumachi.Chongtaro and Sanako came to the door to see them off. "The epidemic is prevalent recently, so don't drink unboiled water on the road." Shigetaro said, with tears in his eyes. Sanako couldn't bear it anymore, covered his face and ran back. Ryoma closed his eyes, and when he opened them again, he was already smiling. "I'll come to see you again. Take care!" "Take care!" Shigetaro grabbed Ryoma's shoulder. Ryoma also patted Shigetaro's broad shoulders, then turned his head away and headed north without looking back. When he arrived at Kaji Bridge, he entered the feudal mansion and wanted to bid farewell to Konan Goroemon, who was in charge of him, but Eemon was not there.So Ryoma said goodbye to the officials in the feudal mansion one by one, and then went to the longhouse to bid farewell to the traveling students. Takeichi Hanpeita was also there, his face was livid. "Ryoma," he took Ryoma to his room, "don't worry about the deadline. Don't go back." "why?" "You've heard it too, something big happened." "Is it a disease?" “蠢材！”武市声音颤抖，“井伊凶相毕露，大开杀戒了。听说我们藩公也危在旦夕。” 藩主山内丰信和越前侯、宇和岛侯一样，都是井伊非常敌视的水户派激进大名。他的这次大清洗行动，岂能放过这几人？ “听说小南五郎右卫门等人已经连着好几夜没有睡觉了。他们最近去拜访了越前和萨摩的驻江户官员，打听幕阁的态度。山内家可能会被幕府灭掉呢。” “你平静一下，武市兄。”龙马这才变得一脸严肃，“可是我们这么吵吵闹闹的，能有什么用呢？我不是说大话。在天下需要我之前，我想先专心练剑。我要回土佐。” 龙马走出了藩府。天上没有一片云。