Chapter 36 14. Love in Edo

A few days later, Sakamoto Ryoma began to prepare for a long trip.The students thought that he was going to Changzhou or Kyoto to investigate the situation.But Ryoma called them together and said something that surprised everyone: "I'm going to Edo. Don't make trouble until I come back." He paused and said: "Now we can't join them in the uprising. The Kobe Naval Academy is immature. Even if it can grow into a big snake that swallows the sky in the future, it is just an egg now. How can an egg without eyes and mouth do anything?" Just waiting for Fujibei to arrive, Ryoma took him with him.

Sanyo Road leads to Kobe Village, and the coast on the right has the breath of early autumn.Ryoma headed east along the main road. On the road, people who look like ronin are often seen going west.It should be going to Changzhou, Long Ma reckoned. There are also short guns.In the era of the early shogunate rule, it was forbidden for ronin to travel with spears on their shoulders.From this we can see that the world is chaotic. "It's a mess right now. Don't know what's going to happen next?" "A big event is about to happen. The imperial court, the shogunate, and the Sahui alliance have driven the Changzhou domain to a dead end. The beast has been injured. The defense chief and the two prefectures will inevitably stir up turmoil in the world."

"Troubled times." "Well, it's time for the warlords to rule again. Those hot-blooded wanderers also want to follow Changzhou to revolt, and everyone is heading west now." "But you are going east." Fujibei tilted his head in confusion.Even he knows that the center of the world is no longer Edo, but Kyoto.Edo was now little more than a seat of power, while Kyoto became the center of political power struggles. Shogun Ieshige and his guardian Tokugawa Yoshiki, Lao Zhong, Waka Nianyo, the Great Inspector, and foreign officials also came to Kyoto and Osaka.There are only a few officials in charge of daily affairs left in Edo City, and the Edo Shogunate has become an empty shell.

"What is your plan?" It is not unreasonable for Fujibei to feel incredible.From the moment of the coup in Kyoto, Japan has returned to the troubled times of the separatist regime. What is Ryoma going to do? "I want to be one of the heroes." "That's natural. I knew you were not mortal the first time I saw you. But it's strange that you're going east now." "I'm going to prepare a warship." Ryoma smiled.He wanted to get the warship and throw himself into the storm of the world. "I decided to clean up this troubled world by myself." He seemed to be talking big.

In Osaka, the two stayed at an inn called Tomoya in Dotonbori.To the north of this inn is Dotonbori.The dragon and the horse lean on the fence to watch the water.The sky reflected in the water was dark red.Night mist floated over the river, and even that mist was red.You can see Osaka Castle from the river. "Master, dinner is ready." Fujibei greeted Ryoma cautiously. "Oh." Ryoma raised his eyes and looked towards the other side.You can see houses in Soemon-cho on the north shore.A woman was washing clothes on the stone steps by the river.No matter how the world changes, things like washing and cooking will not change in any way.Ryoma felt inexplicably sad.

In Osaka, Ryoma heard details about the Yamato Tenjugumi rebellion. The main force of the Tianzhu group is the person who left the Tosa domain who has a deep relationship with Ryoma.There are Totaro Yoshimura, Shingo Nasu, Kurata Ikeuchi, Kasuke Yasuoka, in addition to Yoshinosuke Morishita, Shigema Maeda, Souji Ueda, Sanosuke Doi, Chima Morishita, Shukichi Ibuki, Shogo Shimamura, Tōtaro Tano, Katsume Kiyoma, Sawamura Kokichi, Shima Nami, Yasuoka Hashitaro.After leaving the domain, they took refuge in Changzhou and were protected. This is a group of helpless people.Because the banner of their own domain is not clear, they had no choice but to defect to other domains.When the shogunate arrested them, the Tosa Domain not only would not provide them with protection, but would arrest them as escapees.In this regard, although Tosa and Sa Chief were both called Sa Chief Tu, people of Tosa origin could not have the backing of a powerful vassal state like Sa Chief's feudal vassals.

The same is true for the Tianzhu group.In this group, there is only one Satsuma and no Changshu. The Changzhou Domain once aggressively carried out the emperor's plan to conquer Yamato himself.In order to become this pioneer, the Tenchu ​​Group left Kyoto very early to Yamato, attacked the Gojo Daikan Office of the Shogunate, and established an organization similar to a revolutionary government there.However, shortly after their departure, a coup d'état occurred in Kyoto, and the Choshu Domain was forced to withdraw. They suddenly became outcasts, but they didn't disband.Because of this, the so-called breaking the boat, their fighting spirit became more and more high, and for nearly a month after that, they launched an arduous battle in Yamato with all the famous names in the world.

Where are they?Longma was very worried.Their deaths were not without meaning.Their armed riots will definitely have a huge impact on the Tokugawa family, which has no power to govern the country.However, it is hard to imagine that the three hundred years since Tokugawa Ieyasu's regime would be destroyed by a ronshi group composed of dozens of people.They are likely to sacrifice.After one person sacrifices, others will continue to sacrifice. After piles of bones have piled up into mountains, the ideal era described in the minds of Yoshimura and others who are now stationed in Yamato may come.

Ryoma arrived in Edo at the beginning of September in the third year of Bunjiu.He first reported to the Jiayeqiao feudal mansion, and then hurried out. "This person doesn't like the feudal mansion." All the fellow villagers behind him said so.What Ryoma hates the most is the illusory authority of the vassal state that restricts people's freedom. After passing the Kajibashi Gomon Gate and going east, there is a town of Gorobei, where there are many businesses. "Ah, it's been a long time since I came to Edo." Sleeping Dai Fujihei breathed the air of Edo happily, and he became joyful.

The Kano family, illustrators of the shogunate, settled in this alley a long time ago, mixed among the shops.Walking along the wall to the east, the neighbor is the artist Higuchi Prefecture, and then the Inari Shrine. This is the autumn festival season, the streamers flutter in the wind, and the men and women of the merchants come and go. "Ah, it hurts, it's stepping on my foot." Fujibei jumped up with one foot, and a young man who looked like a store hurriedly apologized to Fujibei. "What's the use of apologizing? I've stepped on it!" "No, no, I don't have any malicious intentions. I was so engrossed that I accidentally..."

"Fujibei, enough is enough." Ryoma slapped Fujibei on the back and left on his own. It's not surprising to be stepped on.Edo is different from Kyoto and Osaka, travelers are always in a hurry.Fujibei, a native of Edo, lived in the capital and Osaka for a long time, and his walking slowed down. "It's your fault, you walk like a Kyoto person." However, in Ryoma's view, although the walking speed of Edo people has not changed, the streets and alleys of Edo have gradually changed. The streets and alleys are extremely depressed.There are several reasons.First of all, it was because the generals and dignitaries of the shogunate were all stationed in Kyoto.Secondly, most of the daimyo's mansions in the various feudal clans either returned to the feudal clan or moved to the upper reaches due to the riots in the past two years. Edo is currently one of the largest cities in the world, with a population of one million, comparable to New York and London at that time.However, the difference between this city and the major cities in the world at that time is that half of its population, nearly half a million, were samurai.The 500,000 are the banner, the vassals of the various vassals who are resident in Edo, and the vassals who came to Edo due to the account of Shenqin.They are not engaged in production, but rely on their vassals to live.The people of Edo lived on the consumption of these samurai for three hundred years.However, the samurai population has plummeted in the past two years.This was the biggest cause of the Edo depression. Second, prices are rising every year.There are rumors that the reason for the high prices is that the shogunate started trading with foreigners.Therefore, the founding proposition of the shogunate did not win the hearts of the people, and the theory of expelling barbarians was more likely to be accepted by the people who did not know the truth. Ryoma walked into Chiba's house in Otsucho.The old man Zhenji, Shigetaro and his wife Bacun are all happy.When Longma greeted the old man Zhenji, the old man said: "There is not a day when the family does not mention you. The old man often thinks, if you can come to Edo several times a month, it will be great. Has your swordsmanship improved?" "The disciple is busy with other things, and his sword skills are wasted." "It's about the navy. I heard Shigetaro mention it. I heard that you still want to win Shigetaro over?" "I think so too." "I really can't take you. Shigetaro is the heir to the Chiba family of Beichen Yidaoliu. You want him to throw away the long sword and follow you. How can I bear it?" Ryoma smiled wryly. "Ryoma, you joined my school at the age of nineteen, and the old man has been taking care of you. You have the ability to respond to everyone. Shigetaro almost escaped from the martial arts hall." "Huh?" Ryoma looked at Shigetaro next to him, "Is there such a thing?" "Well, there is such a thing. After I broke up with you in Osaka and returned to Edo alone, I always felt that I couldn't calm down and was in a dilemma. Even thinking about it now, my heart is hot." "No, Shigetaro..." Sadaji said, "It's not that he's interested in the navy, he just wants to be with you all the time. Ryoma, you always drive your friends crazy." This incident really made the old man very embarrassed and nagging. "I have caused you trouble." Ryoma felt a little ashamed. "Hahaha, of course it's a big trouble. Anyway, Shigetaro is going to abandon his feudal kingdom, his father, his wife and children, and go with you Ryoma. This is the biggest crisis for Chiba's family." "A Zhong has his own merits." "Hey, Ryoma." Zhenkichi hurriedly said, "You can't stir him up this time, and Shigetaro's heart calmed down. At that time, even Sana was clamoring to go to the top all day long." "Ah, Sanako too..." "Chiba's family is almost scattered like birds and beasts." After that, Ryoma and Shigetaro went back to Shigetaro's room together, and it was already dark. "Why hasn't Sanako come back yet?" Shigetaro was worried. "Where did you go?" "I went to my family's Kanda Yuchi early in the morning. I said that I came back before dark, but I haven't seen anyone yet. I don't know what happened. Recently, ronin have come to Edo to make trouble, and there have been more murders and robberies." Ryoma stood up as an excuse to go to the toilet, he wanted to pick up Sanako.He could guess which way Sanako would come back from. Long Ma crossed a stone bridge and walked north.When he arrived in Kitakata Town, he lit the lanterns.This area is full of businesses, and there are pedestrians on the road. When he arrived in Suruga Town, he was surprised that the route was not right, but he was a little bit confident, which was his trust in Sanako's character. Whether it is a martial artist or a businessman, many people are very stubborn in sticking to their own habits, even if it is extremely trivial daily details, they will not change easily.Since she was a child, Sanako had to go back to her home in the barrel town from Kanda Yuchi to go to the 15th and 16th towns.Which bridge to cross, where to turn, and even which house to pass, are all determined.These become the rules of people's self-discipline.This may be the good influence of three hundred years of feudal culture on people.Moreover, Sanako seldom takes a sedan chair.Ryoma didn't know the reason, or maybe she still fainted even though she had reached the level of Jian Chuan in swordsmanship. After crossing the Daojing Bridge, the opposite is Horidome.After crossing the bridge, before taking two or three steps, Ryoma suddenly stopped. "Hahaha." He laughed out loud. As expected.A woman dressed as a samurai looked at Ryoma timidly.It was Sanako, holding a lantern with the Chiba family crest in her hand.Ryoma also carried the same lantern. Sanako thought: Someone from the martial arts school has come to pick me up.But she didn't realize that this person turned out to be Ryoma.When she finally recognized that it was Ryoma, she straightened her back suddenly and completely controlled the urge to jump up. "I am Ryoma." "Yeah." Sanako's heart was beating violently, but she still deliberately said in a reproachful tone, "I suddenly laughed out loud at night, I thought it was a madman." "You should thank me." "Even if I want to thank you, I don't have a chance with your appearance." "I greeted you with a smile because I reunited with you after a long absence. Everything is in this smile." "Is that laughing like a fool?" "What are you talking about?" Ryoma took the lantern in Zanako's hand and blew it out, leaving only one lantern.The two crossed the Daojing Bridge and headed south. Sanako suddenly stopped talking.She hated herself for being worthless, but a feeling of emotion suddenly surged in her heart, and she was speechless. What a stubborn girl.Sanako surprised Ryoma again.In such a noisy situation, it takes a lot of courage for a woman to walk alone at night without an entourage. "Sanako." Ryoma began to bite his belt again, "I know you are competitive, but it's so chaotic outside now, I don't know what kind of idiots will come out of the darkness. You should try not to walk alone at night .” "Will it jump out?" Sanako raised his head and looked at Ryoma stubbornly.However, she immediately frowned. "You still can't change your habits." "what?" "tape……" Ryoma didn't let go, but picked up the belt and played with it in the dark. "Ah, it's so dirty." Zuo Nazi frowned.But Ryoma still didn't stop, and Sanako finally held him down. "Stop." "Ah, you say this." Only then did Ryoma notice and loosen his belt.Sanako's hand was still on Ryoma's wrist, and she didn't seem to notice her gaffe at all. "Hands are really small." Long Ma took her hand backhand, "Hands are so small, but they are so courageous, they are not afraid of walking alone at night." "It hurts." Sanako yelled deliberately.Ryoma's big hand firmly grasped Sanako's small hand.She felt like her hands were going to be broken. "This is because you are disobedient and punish you." Long Ma let go. "You are too much. It still hurts." "Better than meeting the mob." "I'm not afraid to meet you." "Does the young lady of the Qianye family think that with Beichen's one-sword style of kung fu, there is nothing to be afraid of? That's why I said, it's better for girls not to learn kung fu." "You really think so?" Sanako stopped walking.Is that why he keeps keeping me at arm's length? "It's not true. My sister taught me martial arts when I was young. Although my swordsmanship is better than hers now, she always thinks that her horsemanship is better than mine." "Do you respect Sister Otome?" "certainly." "What about Sanako?" Sanako held his breath, waiting for his answer. Ryoma kicked the stones on the ground and let out a "hmm".Is this something a samurai who is about to turn twenty-nine can do? After crossing a stone bridge, the two walked south while looking at the bank of the moat. "What are you doing in Edo?" Sanako looked up at Ryoma. Ryoma strode towards the bank of the moat.Sanako had no choice but to follow.When she understood that Ryoma wanted convenience, she said helplessly, "Let me light a lantern for you." Then she took the lantern from Ryoma's hand.Ryoma undressed in the direction of the castle. On the left, you can see the lights of the Wufu Bridge Imperial Gate Outpost.If it was daytime, the sentinel over there would definitely run over with a livid face to stop him.It's really unruly, and it's convenient for Chiyoda Castle. Sanako had no choice but to carry the lantern and left by himself. While being convenient, Longma turned around and said, "I'm here to get a warship." How unreasonable!Sanako ignored it and strode forward. got windy. Ryoma saw that Sanako had walked twenty or thirty steps carrying the lantern, so Yunyun followed.Suddenly, he stopped.Because Sanako, who was walking in front, stopped.Three figures appeared next to the lantern, all with knives at their waists. Sure enough, Ryoma thought.Those people were teasing Sanako. Ryoma walked over slowly.Not knowing what she would do to them was what interested him. These three people are probably ronin who dawdle in martial arts gyms, and there are more and more such martial arts gyms now.In peacetime, there were only a handful of small martial arts halls, but recently it has increased to more than 300.Some young farmers who came to Edo from the countryside also learned swordsmanship in such martial arts halls, dressed as samurai, gave themselves a name, wore a pair of swords on their waists, and transformed themselves into ronin.This would have been almost unimaginable in the first few years when the hierarchy was strict. One of them spoke with a Fangzhou accent, and the other two spoke with a Shangzhou accent.It's a farmer, Ryoma thought. Zuo Nazi said two or three words to them and just walked away. "Wait a minute." One of them put his hand on Zuo Nazi's shoulder. The moment he started, Ogura was lifted up, and with a bang, Sanako knocked him to the ground. Sanako's bad habit—— Ryoma sighed secretly. Ronin was thrown out by Sanako, and Ryoma quickly walked over. "It's so pitiful." He grabbed the ronin by the hand and pulled him up, "Whoever told you to attack such a strong woman is your fault, get out of here." The rogues didn't know the origin of this burly man who suddenly stepped in. "Who are you?" One person quickly pulled out a big knife. "I am this girl's disciple." "Bah, I'm asking for your name. Tell me where this girl's home is." "This is by the moat, not the yamen, which yamen are you from?" Long Ma retorted very simply. Of course Sanako knew what Ryoma was capable of.The other party wanted to entangle, and the three surrounded Longma.Ryoma took a quick step back, untied the long knife from his waist, and handed it to Sanako. "what are you going to do?" "Hold it to me." It's strange to untie the long knife when we're about to fight next.But Sanako understood immediately.This Mutsu Shoujixing was given by Ryoma's second sister Arong when Ryoma left the feudal domain. Arong was held accountable by her ex-husband and eventually committed suicide.Sanako had heard about it.Probably because of this reason, Ryoma didn't want to fight with this knife. "Go!" When a ronin shouted, Ryoma quickly jumped to the right, holding a long knife in his hand, which was pulled out from the waist of the man on the right.Actions are lightning fast. Zuo Nazi was taken aback, holding the long knife in his arms with one hand, watching the fun with a lantern on the side. "Hey, be careful with your right arm." Ryoma taunted them. "The tip of your knife is dead, so stiff, how do you take the move?" Ryoma slashed the man with stiff swordsmanship with the back of his sword.The man jumped eight or nine meters away and lay on the ground. "Forget it, don't fight." Ryoma threw the knife at the knife owner's feet, and said, "It's a waste of effort. I must win. It's no fun for you to be injured. Instead of doing this kind of thing, you might as well join the navy. If you really want to, go to Chiba, Otsucho, and look for Ryoma Sakamoto." The man with the injured arm looked up in surprise.The others also put away their knives in surprise, they knew Long Ma was a man. "Thank you for your advice." These people slipped away after speaking. Early the next morning, Ryoma walked out of Chiba's house in Otsumachi, walked through the streets before dawn, and came to Katsumi Funaka's house under the Akasaka Glacier. Sheng received him in the study.At this time, Sheng, in addition to serving as the envoy of the generation of warships, also served as the newly established official position of "sea and land preparation".This official position is the person in charge of the filing of the Japanese defense system. Katsushi seems to have a head all over his body.He was the main figure in the political situation at the end of the Bakumatsu.When thinking about the history of the Restoration, it is wrong to only understand that period of history by relying on action factions such as Sakamoto Ryoma, Saigo Takamori, and Katsura Kogoro. Sheng's mind determines many things.Born into a strange body, his mind played a dazzling role.The so-called strangeness means that although he is a shogunate, he does not consider the current situation from the perspective of the shogunate's interests, but observes the current situation from the standpoint of the whole world, and uses this as a starting point to think about problems.From this standpoint, there is no one who thinks about problems, let alone the shogunate, even among the ministers in Kyoto and the patriots of the chief sa.He has no prejudices, so not only Ryoma, but also Saigo from Satsuma and others are very willing to listen to Sheng's opinions.It can be said that most of Xixiang's understanding of the international environment came from Sheng.Sheng is not a scholar, but a senior official with executive power. The forty-one-year-old Sheng, from the first month of the year to the fall of this year, traveled to and from Edo and above by warship three times. "I will go again." Sheng said to Ryoma, "I am going to take the head of the old Naka Sakai Gale. I will set sail from Shinagawa in two or three days. You should go back with me. It is still the Shundong." "Acknowledgment." "You just went back to Edo, I can't bear it. Besides looking for me, don't you have anything else to do?" "No." "It's true. I heard Shigetaro say that Sanako from the Chiba family is infatuated with you." "It's astonishing. Really?" "Ryoma, you are so cunning." "No, no, I'm crazy about her, she's just dealing with me." "Then it's better to explain to her." "Don't dare. She is the master's daughter. If I propose to your daughter, you will be very embarrassed, right?" "Of course. How could I let my beloved daughter marry a family like you?" "The world is home? Each other." Longma smiled wryly. On this day, Ryoma reported a lot to Sheng Haizhou.In Osaka, he took Sheng's letter of recommendation to see the Osaka-cho magistrate Matsudaira Ohsumi Moritoshi, and talked about the defense method when the barbarian fleet invaded Osaka Bay. Osumi Shou listened to what Ryoma said was reasonable, and replied: "I will definitely help you with matters that are within the purview of our town." Ryoma also met Hachiro Sanoka, a vassal of the feudal clan, and Kokusu Yokoi, a counselor of the Echizen clan in Osaka, and talked with them about the idea of ​​establishing a shipping trading company. Sheng nodded frequently. "The most important thing is the ship. If there is no ship, not only the Naval Academy will be in vain, but also the maritime trading company will be a dream." "That's natural." "There must be at least one." Ryoma held out a finger.He thought that as long as there is a warship, he can let the students practice and start doing business at the same time. By raising shares from various daimyos, the company can stand on its own.If the business does well, it can pay the rent of warships borrowed from the shogunate, and can also purchase new warships.He said that as long as there is a copy, he actually wanted to ask the shogunate for a warship. "I'm trying to convince them. Now the Sightseeing and the Black Dragon are negotiating. This time I will take Lao Zhong on board, and I will negotiate with him slowly on board." "Who should I see? I'll go anywhere." "Hahaha, of course you will go. By the way, when you are in Edo, go to see Okubo Tadahiro and tell him about it. I will say hello and say that you will go to see him. I heard Okubo values ​​you very much, so it should go well." In the genealogy of Okubo's ancestors, there is one named Okubo Hikozaemon.Okubo is one of the famous families among the shogunate ministers, and the main family is Odawara's feudal lord Okubo.The Okubo family where Tadahiro belongs is just a branch of it, and it is just a small banner nowadays. Okubo and Katsuichisho were born in a small banner family, but held important positions in the shogunate, all because of his outstanding talents.He was one of the vassals who advocated the founding of the country, and he learned foreign books from Sheng who was younger than himself, so he can be said to be a disciple of Sheng.Okubo successively served as the director of the Investigation Institute of the Tibetan Institute, the Suruga-cho Magi, the Kyoto-cho, the shogun's personal rumor officer, and the foreign magistrate, and then resigned.After living in seclusion, he was named Yiweng.This year, at the call of the shogunate again, he served as the general's adviser.After the Restoration, Okubo Ichio became an official in the new government, served as the governor of Tokyo Prefecture, a member of the Senate, etc., and was awarded a Viscount in his later years. The next afternoon, Ryoma went out and went to the entrance, and found Sanako sitting in the next hut, preparing to go out. "Hello." Ryoma greeted her while inserting the knife into his waist, "You are still so beautiful, you are really better than anything else." "That's weird. Well, you're going to Okubo-sama's house, right?" "right." "I'll show you the way." She came to the entrance and put on sandals.The laces were a little tight, and she stomped on the ground with her right foot. "Oh, am I going to take a woman with me?" "It's dangerous on the way, I'll protect you." "You protect me?" "Ok." The two walked out the door together.Sanako knows Kazuo Okubo.Okubo is one of the few vassals who learned Beichen's one-sword style Kungfu. He studied under Sanako's father, Zhenkichi.Of course, Sanako was still a baby at that time, so she didn't remember Okubo.However, Yiweng is still an upright and loving person, and he will come to make offerings on the anniversary of the death of Master's brother Zhou Zuo.Therefore, Sanako knew him very well. "Your Excellency is very funny. Since he was promoted from the fifth rank, he has changed his official position several times, Zhimo Shou, You Jin General Supervisor, Yue Zhong Shou, etc. He will tell me every time, let me call him by different names. He also said, Officials will feel happy when they hear people say that.” "Be quiet for a while." Ryoma is thinking about something. Sanako usually doesn't like to talk, but as long as she is with Ryoma, she can talk endlessly.Also strange. "Sorry." She suddenly became angry.Ryoma ignored her and walked forward slowly with his arms folded. "what are you thinking about?" "You're annoying. Thinking about the warship." Ryoma was thinking that as long as he could get one warship, he could make it two, three, and soon overthrow the shogunate.He is now trying to borrow a warship from the shogunate.From this point of view, Ryoma has a conspiracy. Soon, the two arrived at Okubo's house.Because Sanako came here often, she knew Mrs. Okubo very well, so she deliberately didn't go in through the front door, but went to the back door to greet her. Ryoma walked in from the entrance and was led to the hall. After a while, Okubo Kazuo came out. "It's about the warship. I've heard it." He has a mushroom-like face with a broad forehead, a high nose, and a slightly concave chin.You can find this kind of face when you look around the residences of foreigners in Yokohama.Sheng also looks like a Westerner.Could it be that after learning foreign studies, even the appearance will change? Recently, the clan system that has prevailed for three hundred years has gradually relaxed, and some talented people from small banners have begun to be promoted to the Muge.In addition to Sheng and Okubo, the same is true for Duben Wuyang and others.If it was in the past, they could only be sons and brothers living an ordinary life with Lala Sanmixian.However, only those related to foreign studies were able to rise to the top, because those powerful ministers could not hold new positions such as the navy, army, and foreign officials. It can be said that it was these new officials who controlled the shogunate at this time. "I'm afraid it won't work if the Sightseeing and the Black Dragon go together, but there's no problem with one. I've already mentioned this to the General, and Sheng has already told Mr. Ge. As long as the people in the navy agree, it will be fine. Yes. It’s not as fast as you think to do things in the yamen.” "However, we have students. Because there is no most important training ship, those passionate boys have a lot of time to play sumo and fight every day. If there is a coup in Kyoto, these guys may swarm up." Kazuo Okubo would not say that they should disband.He is not an ordinary official, very assertive.He believed that such a school was necessary for the country, no matter what happened to the shogunate. "Don't be so anxious, isn't stopping this kind of riot just what you are good at?" He subtly praised Ryoma, "The warship is in charge of the head of the navy. Those people are always proud, and they are always unwilling to hand over the ship. " "Even the generation of warships, Mr. Feng Xingsheng, can't tell them?" "Mr. Sheng doesn't get on well with his superiors and his subordinates." Okubo smiled. Sheng is too strict, not only not popular with the elders, but also not highly regarded among the juniors of the navy.Whenever he opened his mouth to speak, he would have a gun and a stick, and it would sound harsh.Everyone he mentioned lost face.Everything is good, except for disregarding other people's feelings.It is naturally difficult to do things from this. "Excessive scruples about the feelings of colleagues and sycophancy to the boss can be said to be the bad habits of the shogunate officialdom for three hundred years. Of course, it is not easy to do things like this, but winning this situation is also embarrassing." "There is some wine at home." Okubo held Ryoma back and asked his wife to prepare food and drinks. "Sanako, please pour wine." Mrs. Okubo's voice came from inside. The wine will be ready soon.The food and drink consisted of freshly delivered fish cakes from Fangzhou and a plate of tofu. "Come, have a drink." Okubo picked up the jug and poured wine for Ryoma. Ryoma raises his glass. This is the moment.When the shogunate was strong, the samurai directly under the shogunate would not drink with the samurai of the various vassals.What's more, Okubo used to be the governor of Yuezhong and served as a great supervisor.Ryoma, as a vassal of the Tosa domain, and the second son of a family of countrymen, in his capacity, it is impossible to talk to Okubo directly. "Yesterday, I heard in the palace that the Tosa clan is going to suppress the Qinwang Party." "what?" Okubo knew these things better than Ryoma. "Sakamoto, have you ever dated Takeichi Hanpeita?" "It's not just a relationship, Takeshi is my close friend. He is talented, and it's a shame to stay in Tosa." "I heard that Hanpei Takeshi was imprisoned." Ryoma put down the cup. "Is this true?" "I don't know too well. This is just a rumor heard in the city. You should also be more careful." It was so surprising that the officials of the shogunate gave him such advice, and Ryoma felt a little ridiculous. Satsuma, Changshu, and Tosa all considered themselves to be powerful feudal lords with great responsibilities in the world, but the three feudal lords were surprisingly conservative in their administration.Especially Satsuma and Tosa, never wanted to change the stubborn status system of the feudal clan, and those who were not qualified to meet the feudal lord, no matter how talented they were, had no chance to participate in the feudal administration.The shogunate, which was regarded as an enemy by the San Francisco, had many enlightened measures instead.For example, people like Okubo Kazukatsu, who were originally unable to meet the general in terms of status, were promoted by the shogunate and took up important positions. "If Takeichi was born as a vassal, he would be able to accomplish great things. The upper echelons of the Tosa domain were originally stupid. The reason why Takeshi was not wise was that he was not willing to give up on Tosa. The comrades were all disappointed with Tosa and left the domain one after another, but Takeichi stopped Footsteps. He always insisted on his way, to unify the feudal theory, hoping to raise the whole feudal clan to achieve great things." Longma became angry. Okubo smiled silently. "It's too much to lock people up." Ryoma stood up.The glass fell to the ground, and the wine spilled on his small hakama. "Let me take my leave first. Go to the Kayebashi feudal mansion to inquire about the situation." Ryoma threw Sanako on the Okubo mansion, and hurried to the Kayebashi feudal mansion. Longma broke into the feudal mansion, and asked every feudal official he saw, "Any news about Wushi?" Everyone didn't know, and they all felt weird.Fortunately, Jialaofu Tonggong is in the vassal mansion, and he is Miss Tianhe's elder brother.Moreover, the Sakamoto family is under the jurisdiction of the Fukuoka family, and the two families have been masters and slaves for generations.Ryoma walked into the room in Fukuoka Palace and asked. The facial features in the palace are vague, a little thin, and narrow-minded.Whether it is temperament, talent or appearance, there is no similarity with Ms. Tian He, and even people can't help but wonder if he is Tian He's elder brother. "The courier hasn't arrived in Edo yet, so I don't know the details yet. Ryoma, don't worry about Takeshi for now, and pay attention to your own safety." "Huh." Ryoma smiled, "I'm in trouble too?" "If you run around like this, one day the old feudal lord will be unhappy. Your brother Quan Ping wrote me a letter, telling me to take good care of you. But if you don't come to me, I can't control it." "It turned out that I was under the supervision of Mr. Fu Shan. It's just that the big thing has not been done yet." "You can really talk." Gong Nei said with a wry smile. "You really don't know anything about Wu City?" "I don't know. Tianhe worries me more than Takeshi." This person is really small-minded.Ms. Tianhe's master Sanjo Nagonomimi was expelled from Kyoto by the imperial court and lived in Changzhou.He is the most powerful of the Qiqing.In the eyes of Fukuoka Miyauchi, who is loyal to the shogunate, Sanjo is the world's greatest sinner.And Miss Tian He is his maid.Moreover, although she is a woman, she is passionate.Gong Nei worried that Tian He would bring disaster to his family. "Ryoma, the trend of the times is really unpredictable. From last year to today, King Qin's power has greatly increased, and he even overshadowed the sky in the Tosa domain, but now he is all about supporting the curtain." "It's still going to change. People say thirty years in the east, thirty years in the west. Now it's a troubled time, and it will change every two or three years. By the way, Mrs. Sanjo has been exiled to Changzhou. Has Miss Tianhe returned to Tosa? " "She said she wouldn't go back, this idiot, said she would stay and take care of Sanjo-sama's family in Kyoto. It's really embarrassing, Ryoma." Longma left the Fanfu.When he came this time, he heard all the complaints from Fukuoka Palace. Sanako was left in the mansion by Okubo and his wife, waiting for Ryoma to come back. "Ryoma will definitely come back here." Okubo Kazuo asserted confidently, "Don't go back, wait for him here." Sanako didn't think so.Ryoma went to the Tosa feudal mansion to inquire about Takeshi. The feudal mansion was not far from Chiba's house, so he would definitely go back to Chiba's house directly from there. "Sanako, Mr. Sakamoto will definitely come back here." Mrs. Okubo also smiled meaningfully. "He's a weirdo, he's not sure where he's gone now." "No." Okubo enjoyed it. "How do you know?" "Hahaha, I heard what Sheng said. Ryoma has a crush on you." Zuo Nazi blushed and said, "It's nothing." "Don't be ashamed. Those of us who serve the general will take a gamble. Ryoma has finished what he told me. However, if you stay here, he must be worried about you. He will be thinking, it will be dark soon, I have to take you back together. If my guess is wrong, you can hit me with a ruler." Okubo said, clapping his wrist. "Really, it's such a bet." Zuo Nazi hurriedly adjusted his sitting posture, "I'm going back." "Hey, Ryoma will be disappointed." "Oh, don't say any more." Sanako looked really angry, glared at Okubo Kazuo, and left in a hurry. "Do you want someone to take you?" Okubo asked. Sanako rejected his offer and walked out the door.The sun has set, and the streets are covered with twilight.Next to Okubo's house is the Ozumifu, and opposite is the residence of Hosokawa Koshichu. Outside the long wall, the shadows of the passing crowd gradually merged into the night.Sanako spots Ryoma in the shadow. "Ah, you're back." Surprised and delighted, Zuo Nazi couldn't help saying loudly. "Well. I'm here to confirm something with Okubo-sama. Wait for me a moment." He walked past Sanako expressionlessly, entered Okubo's mansion, and shouted loudly at the entrance: "For the matter of the warship, please grown up." When Okubo came to the entrance, he found that Ryoma and Sanako had left one after the other.Sanako has a skirt fetter and can't keep up with Ryoma. “你在想什么？”拐过圣天神社，佐那子小声问道。 龙马好像没有听见佐那子说什么，道：“啊，对不起，很黑吧？” 灯笼的光照到了佐那子脚边。 "No, it's okay." 忽然，一股风吹过来，灯灭了。左边圣天神社的树林沙沙作响。天上的星好像忽然亮了很多。龙马茫然地看着其中一颗，发出无力的叹息。“消失了。”他一边说，一边想着武市的事。 佐那子无奈地抱着灯笼蹲下，问道：“你身上带着火石和引火木吗？” "Did not bring." “真是大意。” “我真不明白有些人为什么那么小心翼翼地带着那些东西。我最讨厌那些整天只想着自己安危的人。” “我没问你那些。我只是问你有没有带火石。” "yes." 龙马伸手往怀里摸去。他原本就没有带火石，掏也就做个样子。 "are not there?" “好像是没有。” “我怀里有个荷包。里面有火石，你帮我拿出来吧。” “真是细心。” 龙马把手伸进佐那子怀里，那里非常温暖。 “我是第一次把手伸进别人怀里呢。真是不可思议啊，就感觉自己升天了。”他嘟嘟囔囔道。 很快，龙马拿出了火石，将引火木衔在嘴里。咔嚷，他打着了火石，点着了引火木上的硫磺，但是马上又被风吹灭了。 “袖子底下没风。你在这里打火吧。”佐那子放下灯笼，用袖子挡住。 龙马把头钻进去，咔嚓打了一下火石，点着了引火木。 “啊，点着了点着了。” “那是当然，还不赶紧点赌烛，不然就灭了。”佐那子生气了。她不太清楚自己为什么会生龙马的气。她刚才在期待什么，但是她的期待落空了。 龙马去了一趟筑地的军舰操练所，见了那里的教官们。佐佐仓桐太郎、铃藤勇次郎、肥田滨五郎、滨口兴右卫门、松冈磐吉、山本金次郎、伴铁郎等，个个都是幕府海军创业期大名鼎鼎的士官。 大家都对龙马有好感。只是他们认为龙马仅仅是一个“对海军感兴趣的有趣之人”。 “坂本，神户那边怎么样了？”士官们问道。 “现在还没借到船，不是很顺利。学员们都是在陆地练习。可是光这样练习，也不顶用。我请求幕府借我观光号或者黑龙号，各位也帮帮我。”他努力地说明问题，争取大家的帮助。在无数的勤王志士中，能进入筑地做这种事的，只有他一人。 “不客气，不客气。”大家半开玩笑似的笑道。 明天就是从江户出发的日子。龙马赶回千叶家的时候，已经很晚了。 “阿重，这几日给你添麻烦了。明日天明之前，军舰就要从品川湾出港，我半夜就要告辞。” “怎么这么匆忙？还是乘军舰回去吗？”重太郎有点生气。 “乘军舰去大坂只需两三天。这次来江户，没能跟你好好叙叙，实在渐愧。”龙马用一口的土佐话向重太郎道歉。 “小龙，我们喝两杯吧。算给你饯行。”重太郎起身去了厨下，让妻子准备酒菜。房内只剩下佐那子一人。 "When are you leaving?" “半夜时吧。” 剩下不到一个半时辰了。 “下次什么时候来江户？” “不知道。”龙马明明知道佐那子的心意，却故意装糊涂，“借船那件事还没有定。不久我应该还会来。” “年内？” "Ok." 龙马点头的时候，佐那子迅速用小指勾住了龙马的指。“到时我要鼓起勇气跟你说一件事，你要做好心理准备。”她笑着掩饰自己的内心。她已经决定了，要把心事告诉他。 龙马没有看佐那子，他瞧着自己袴上的结扣，那里开了。他把结扣往上拉起，一边系一边问道：“什么心理准备……”他忽然闭上了嘴——佐那子眼里满含泪水。 他暗叫不好，飞跑到走廊里。重太郎从厨下回来，看到龙马提住长袴，问道：“哎？去方便么？” “不是。裤带松掉，我在这里系上。” “哈哈哈，真是太笨了。佐那子，快来给他系上。”重太郎催促佐那子。 佐那子跪到走廊里，直起身子，就要给龙马系裤带。龙马不知所措。 “把带子给我。” 佐那子拉过带子，迅速把龙马的下衣脱了下来，扔到走廊的角落。 “喂喂，你这个偷儿。” “那么脏的东西，谁稀罕。”佐那子转身消失在走廊尽头，不久便拿着一件崭新的小仓袴走了回来。“请高抬贵足。那边，抬起来。”她看起来非常不高兴。 "Whose is this?" “这是我做的。本来是想送给你的，但是你太可恶了，所以不想送你。” “佐那子，太放肆了。”重太郎并不知道其中什么曲折，一脸严肃地责备道。 佐那子也不管他，自顾自地给龙马扎着腰带，手上沙沙作响。 “哇，太紧了。不能再给我松一点吗？” “谁让你长这么胖。” 佐那子扎上腰带之后，在肚脐的位置打了一个十字结。 龙马回到房间，八寸给他们端来了酒菜。 “嫂子，耽误了。”佐那子忙从八寸手中接过饭菜，摆在桌子上，动作干脆利落。不愧是取得了皆传资格的女剑客，她的动作非常敏捷，而且十分优美。她端起酒壶，说道：“请。” 龙马端起朱漆的杯子，接过酒。重太郎的杯子也上满了。二人对视致意，然后同时举杯。 “下次什么时候……” “来江户？年内还会来的。”龙马看了一眼佐那子。不知什么缘故，佐那子的眼睛里有东西在闪烁。