Chapter 50 11. Nagasaki Dream
When the ship sailed into Nagasaki Port, Sakamoto Ryoma suppressed the waves in his heart and said to Mutsu Yonosuke: "Nagasaki is where I hope. It won't be long before this will become the foothold for Japan to turn things around."
Ryoma's company has successfully attracted Satsuma as a major shareholder, and now he wants Changzhou to join in.
"You mean the two clans that are incompatible?" Mutsu Yonosuke was surprised.
"If they can make money, Satsuma and Changzhou can definitely join hands."
What Ryoma thinks is that if it is difficult to make progress on political issues, then start with the economy and try to move it for "benefits".That is to say, economically promote the alliance of Sa and Chang, promote the change of the situation, and establish a company funded by the two feudal clans in Nagasaki.After the establishment of the new government, the company's activities were designated as national policy and overseas trade was carried out.
"What a huge one." Mutsu couldn't help laughing.
"The bigger the furoshiki, the more convenient it is."
"But now we don't even have a piece of cloth to wrap a pebble in!"
"That's right." Ryoma also smiled.But now that I have arrived in Nagasaki, it will not be long before the house will be bought and the boat will be available.
After Ryoma and others went ashore, the Satsuma feudal lord had already arranged a place for them.
The shrewd Komatsu has always been with them with a knife. He has already sent an envoy to contact the vassals stationed in Nagasaki to take care of everything in advance.That's how things go so smoothly.
"Speaking of your temporary accommodation," the Satsuma vassal of Nagasaki said to Ryoma after entering the inn, "Nagasaki's land is narrow, and it's impossible to find a suitable house, so it's on that hill." He pulled away Lattice Gate, pointing to the turtle-like hill on the south side of the port, said: "There is a house there."
"Oh, what's the name of that place?"
"Turtle Mountain."
Seeing that there was still some time before sunset, Ryoma immediately set off to check.
After inspection, Ryoma liked the house very much, and the name of the company was tentatively named "Kameyama Trading Company".Looking from the hillside, you can have a panoramic view of Nagasaki Port.
On the second day, Ryoma went all the way down the mountain in the direction of Sanboji Sakacho Teramachi.As he walked, Mutsu Yonosuke chased him up from behind.Ryoma said, "This place in Nagasaki," and suddenly fell silent again.
The sun began to sink towards Mt. Inasa, and the shadows of Western ships and Japanese ships standing in the port became thicker. "What a beautiful port!" Mutsu said with some pity.He thought Ryoma meant that.Ryoma folded his arms across his chest and walked down the mountain step by step. "This place in Nagasaki...well, I'll leave it to you for now. Please."
Behind Ryoma, Kanno Kakuhei froze for a moment.Kondo Chojiro, Shiramine Junma, Nedai Fujihei and others came to Ryoma's side. "Then what do you do?" Kanye Kakuhei asked.
"I have other plans."
"No way!"
"Why not? As for the daily affairs of Guishan Trading Company, Mr. Guan!" Ryoma shouted.This Guan Jun is the Sawamura General Chief Prime Minister who fled Tosa with him through the mountains and mountains. Now he has changed his name to Guan Xiongzhi to avoid people's eyes and ears. "For the time being, you will do it on your behalf. The accounting work is also entrusted. Kanno Kakuhei is in charge of sea affairs, and Mutsu Yonosuke is the secretary. That's all."
The towering Sanbao Temple is close at hand.On the opposite sea, the British steamer was about to set sail.
"I still have to negotiate with Komatsu of the Satsuma domain, buy the Giant Wave, and set up camp. I think there are a lot of things to do. Please leave these to you."
Everyone was confused and didn't know what Ryoma was thinking.
"One more thing. That's Nagasaki's Oura coast." Ryoma pointed to the corner of the port under his feet.There are many two or three-story wooden buildings standing there.Those are the trading houses of European and American powers, and they came to Nagasaki from Shanghai and Hong Kong after the shogunate concluded a trade treaty. "You have to get acquainted with them."
"But we don't know foreign language."
"You can make gestures." Ryoma said, "The other party is here to make money. If you want to make money, you will naturally try to understand what we say. When you talk to them, you use Tosa dialect. Baifeng uses Echigo dialect, and Mutsu speaks Kishu dialect. "
"Then what are your plans?"
"I'm going to overthrow the shogunate." Ryoma's tone seemed to be going out to buy something, "to do some preparations. If this continues, Japan will die sooner or later. Kameyama Trading Company finally started to do business in the world. If the country Even if it dies, the company can't survive alone."
"Having said that..."
"I'm leaving tomorrow. Fujibei, is there a problem?" Ryoma asked back.He means go together.
Go to Changzhou.After making up his mind, Ryoma hurried on the road day and night.Every night he stayed, his pace became faster and faster, almost like a horse.Fujibei was dumbfounded.For several days, they didn't stop after the sun went down, and they set off from the inn before dawn.Along the way, the two rushed like messengers.
"Grandpa, what's the matter with you?"
"You think it's strange?" Ryoma himself felt a little funny, "If I tell you, you will definitely laugh at me."
"Don't dare."
"Actually, these days, I've begun to feel that even if I can get to Changzhou half a day earlier, Japan will be saved half a day earlier. In such a big Japan, only I can quell the turmoil in the world. This is my current thinking."
Fujibei, who had long admired Ryoma, said: "You are right! If it weren't for this, I wouldn't have left my profession to follow my master."
"Fujibei." Ryoma said as he passed Kurume Castle, "I seem to be possessed by a god. It's always unbearable, but sometimes passion is needed."
The two walked from Kurume for more than forty miles. When it was dark, they came to Chikuzen Ninkaichi, and then went to Dazaifu.Instead of suddenly appearing in Changzhou, it is better to stop by Dazaifu to lobby.
Wugongqing is in Dazaifu.
Sanjo Mimi, Sanjo Nishi Jizhi, Higashikuse Tsukihime, Mibu Kisu, Shijo Takaka and other ministers of the Changzhou faction were displaced in the torrent of the current situation.In August of the third year of Wenjiu, the Changzhou power of the court was cleared. At that time, the "Seven Dukes" were famous all over the world. Later, five of them fled to Changzhou and hid here.During this period, the Changzhou domain changed its flag and surrendered to the shogunate. The Wugongqing was then placed under the surveillance of the Chikuzen Kuroda domain, and was transferred to Dazaifu again on February 13th of this year.Although they are officials in exile, the people with lofty ideals all over the world admire them very much, especially when Wu Gongqing speaks to the people with lofty ideals from Changzhou, sometimes it is even more effective than the order of the feudal lord.
You must first convince Wu Gongqing, and then tell the Changzhou people that Wu Gongqing also meant the same, so as to convince them.This is Ryoma's idea.
That night, Ryoma stayed overnight in Erkaichi Hot Springs, and wanted to inquire about the activities of the five princes who lived in Dazaifu.
"I heard that the Lord Gongqing travels on horseback every day, and also practices swordsmanship." The innkeeper told Ryoma.
Early the next morning, Ryoma came out of the hot spring and headed northeast to Dazaifu.It was already a summer scene along the way, the sun was scorching hot, Ryoma was sweating all over, and the string tied to the bamboo hat was soaked in sweat.
"In ancient times, Dazaifu was very prosperous." Ryoma told Fujibei.In ancient times, this place was a gathering place for Chinese and foreign populations. A large city was built here, and the imperial court sent governors to station here. The city imitated the style of the Tang Dynasty, and the mansion buildings inlaid with malachite stood tall.But now, except for a few cornerstones, the buildings are all gone, and there are only endless fields and hills.However, Dazaifu Tenmangu has always been very popular, and it is believed by the world.
Tenmangu is called a shrine, but it is actually a temple, also known as Anle Temple.Although it is a monastery, its wealth can be said to be the most prosperous in the West.The shogunate donated 1,000 koku of the shrine territory to it, the Chikuzen Kuroda family donated 2,000 koku, the Chikugo Kurume Arima family donated 250 koku, and the Chikugo Yanagawa Tachibana family donated 50 koku.
"It really is a luxurious place!" Seeing the bustling scene on the street in front of the temple, Fujibei couldn't help but sigh.
"Don't look around." Saying this, Ryoma walked into the shrine.
Ryoma knew that Sanjo Mimi lived in a small temple called Yanshou Wangyuan.He turned to the monastery, and saw that it was surrounded by white walls, and the gate was supported by four pillars. The whole temple was very grand.In front of the gate stood a guard with Zhu Dao and Dao swords pinned to his waist.
"It's me." Long Ma Er approached the door and took off his bamboo hat.
"Ah, Sakamoto-kun!" The guard was taken aback.It turns out that this person is Yamamoto Kanema, a samurai from Tosa.
Since Gongqing fell into trouble, the guards have been served by Tosa Ronin. They regard Wu Gongqing as their master and take good care of them.
Yamamoto Kanema was twenty-four years old, with a black complexion, and he was a villager in Ryota Village, Tosa County. In the second year of Bunjiu, he left the feudal clan and came to Kyoto.From then on, his physical condition began to deteriorate, and he became ill with a cough.In the second year of his reunion with Longma, he was told that he was terminally ill. He said: "I have great ambitions and leave my hometown. I must not die on my bed."This is for later.
In addition, Shimamura Zuo Chuanji, Nanbu Wengnan, Kiyoka Hanshiro and others were also guarding Wu Gongqing.Those who lead these people of lofty ideals are Tosa County Kinsenji Village, Tosa Prefecture Kusuzaemon Dokata Kusuzaemon.At this time, the earth party is in Kyoto, not in Changzhou.
"Can you take me to see Santiao Gong?" Long Ma said.
Ryoma was taken to the waiting room.Just as he secretly expected in his heart, it was none other than Miss Tian He who served him tea.
"You're finally here." Ms. Tian He said as she gently placed the tea bowl on the high seat lacquer tray in front of the dragon horse's lap.
Ryoma leaned over and said, "When you went to Kobe, I wasn't at home. It's really rude."
"At that time, Ms. Along from Teradaya also happened to come to see you." Ms. Tian He said with a smile, and gave Ryoma a quick glance, with a hint of sarcasm in her tone.
"I heard about it too. The maid of the Ikushima family told me later."
"What a beauty."
"Exactly." Ryoma agreed solemnly.
Ms. Tian He was offended by his attitude, and said softly: "Wicked."
Ryoma was startled, "Am I a villain?"
"I was fascinated by other girls, but I left as if nothing happened."
"If you say that, I am indeed a villain." Ryoma seemed to like this statement very much, and laughed, "If I were a good person, I would rent a hut with Miss Aaron in Kyoto right now."
"and then?"
"Throw away the long and short swords too."
"Oh!"
"Carry some cloth and silk every day."
"That's right." Ms. Tian He thought to herself, that's all she could do.
Soon, Kiyooka Hanshiro, Yamamoto Kanema, Shimamura Sadenji, Nambu Ongnan and others arrived, and they chatted happily.
Most of the Tosa vassal ronin who galloped around the world died in the turbulent political turmoil.Those who survived were divided into three groups: Ryoma's Kameyama Trading Company, the Choshu Chuyong Squad headed by Nakaoka Shintaro, and the Gongqing Guards led by Hijikata Kusuzaemon Hisawa.The bases are in Nagasaki, Changzhou, and Chikuzen Dazaifu; the division of labor is different, there is the navy, there is the army, and there are political associations that support the exiled ministers.It would be ideal to unite them and work together to end the curtain.
"I came to Dazaifu because of this matter." When Long Ma told the secret of the Sa Chang Alliance, everyone applauded. "I think the middleman must be the Tuzhou. But you must choose a reliable one."
Qing Gang said: "Go, Sakamoto. You can not only persuade the old stubborn Satsuma Changzhou, but also scold them with a stern face when necessary. You are the perfect person to perform this scene well."
The first year of Keio marks the 250th anniversary of the death of Tokugawa Ieyasu, founder of the Tokugawa shogunate.This spring, Sunshine Mountain, Ueno Kan'ei Temple, Shibazogami Temple and other places are busy preparing for the anniversary ceremony.Naturally, many among the shogunate bureaucrats believed that the time had come to restore the prestige of the shogunate, and their excitement rose accordingly.At this time, only Changzhou, who has been resisting in recent years, can make the shogunate show its might.Changzhou surrendered for a time, and was dealt with very leniently under the ruling of Tokugawa Yoshikatsu, the governor-general of the first expedition.The hardliners in the Edo shogunate were quite dissatisfied with this. They advocated the complete confiscation of the territory of the Changzhou Fan, cutting the weeds and rooting out the roots, in order to promote the prestige of the shogunate.Many dignitaries in the shogunate opposed this tough argument, and the feudal domains were also quite indifferent. The Satsuma domain, which was enthusiastic during the first shogunate, also clearly expressed its opposition. "Conquering Changzhou again is just a war launched by the shogunate for its own self-interest."
The most fundamental reason why Satsuma and other vassals opposed it was due to economic considerations.Probably it doesn't want to pay for a war to "revitalize the curtain" when everything is waiting to be done.
The only exception is the Hosokawa Domain of Higo Kumamoto.For some reason, they asked the shogunate: "Please let Hosokawa be the vanguard when the time comes."
Ge Lao was very surprised, but it is said that this was an arbitrarily requested request by the extreme Zomaku faction of the feudal clan in the name of the feudal lord.
The shogunate has been very tough from beginning to end.The reason for this toughness is due to the French Minister Leon Rossius. "We will definitely win. Military expenditures, weapons, military system reform... Please leave these to France." These words of Rosius became the source of confidence of the shogunate bureaucrats.They are still dreaming that after the elimination of Choshu, they will also destroy the powerful domains such as Satsuma, Tosa, Owari, Echizen, and Inaba, change the prefecture and county system, and establish a strong centralization.The conquest of Changzhou was just the beginning of all this.If this is the case, it will not be just a war, but a shogunate-led national transformation.
At the end of March, the shogunate made public its intention to attack Choshu again, and decided that this time the shogun would conquer it himself.
In the Choshu Domain, the regime established by Takasugi Shinsaku's coup has begun to operate. Murata Zoroku (Omura Masjiro), who studied orchid medicine, was promoted, and the pace of military Westernization was accelerated.
At this time, Ryoma came to Dazaifu with the strategy of the alliance of the chief ministers.Santiao Shimei saw Ryoma, and after hearing him finish speaking, she couldn't help being ecstatic and amazed.Shimi is wearing a black silk kimono with a family pattern, she has long since abandoned the attire of a prince, and looks like a majestic warrior.
The meeting between Ryoma and Mijo Sanjo is as wonderful as a drama.
Starting from the world situation, Ryoma first counted the political situation in Europe, as if he had seen it with his own eyes, and then talked about the tragedy of the Qing Dynasty, which was being invaded by European and American powers, and said: "If Japan does not make a big change at this time, it will be repeated. The tragic fate of the Qing Dynasty."
Ryoma spoke very funny, and Sanjo was so amused that he collapsed on the tatami in the end laughing.Kanema Yamamoto and other Tosa Ronin who were accompanying him blushed and endured desperately when they saw the appearance of the two.
"At this critical moment, Satsuma and Changshu are full of personal grievances, and they are not in common with each other. They take up swords and guns to fight each other whenever they have the opportunity. This has brought endless disasters to us Japanese."
Japanese?While laughing, Sanjo felt the slight freshness brought to him by the title he was not used to.Warriors at this time often talked about "common people", "up to the temple and down to the common people", "the world's scholars, farmers, businessmen", "the people of the world", etc. Qin Wang Zhishi would also use the term "the people of the Son of Heaven", and not many people did this The term "Japanese" is frequently used.
Ryoma frequently mentioned "Japanese".This kind of statement contains Ryoma's idea of equality, but Sanjo will not notice this, he only feels it is very fresh.
"Sakamoto, let me introduce you to the other four ministers."
Santiao immediately sent people to the residences of the ministers and invited the other four.The five ministers gathered together, and the three ordered: "Sakamoto, tell me again!"
Ryoma had to repeat it again.This time he spoke more brilliantly and interestingly, and everyone laughed out loud.
Neither the lords nor the samurai here have ever heard such a pleasant discourse on the world.
"In short, it's the trend of the times for the Chief Sa to join forces, isn't it?" Santiao asked.
Long Ma nodded and said: "Compared to Lord Mao Li, the people of Changzhou value the wishes of your lords more. As long as you agree with this plan, I will immediately go to Changzhou to persuade them."
"I agree." Santiao nodded with a smile on his face.
Good luck followed.On the evening of the day when Ryoma and the five princes met, two vassals from the Choshu clan came to visit Dazaifu.This is an opportunity for Ryoma.
Two vassals took the vassal order to visit Dazaifu, with the purpose of "visiting the five princes".Of course, in order to avoid the eyes and ears of the shogunate, both of them changed their names and surnames to hide their origins.
One of them is Sotaro Odamura, a friend of Yoshida Shoin, who is well-known inside and outside the domain.He married Songyin's sister as his wife, and began to participate in the Qinwang Movement very early.Another name is Tokita Shaosuke.
He really looks like a person in the business of weddings and funerals, Ryoma thought to himself.Both of them have no talent, only useless prudence and etiquette, and their behavior is quite satisfactory. They are really the best candidates for the task of "visiting the five ministers".
Long Ma told the two of them about the fact that Chief Sa joined forces, and the two of them turned pale in shock, saying: "If the comrades in the feudal kingdom know about this kind of thing, they will be furious and can't end it!"
"Perhaps." Seeing this situation, Ryoma did not refute, but said, "You just need to let me know in advance. Please tell the dignitaries in the domain that Tosa's Sakamoto Ryoma will come to visit .”
"Ah, I'm afraid Mr. Takasugi will be furious before he finished speaking!"
"Exactly, so it's best not to tell Shinsaku Takasugi about this matter. There are rumors that Mr. Gui Xiaowulang has returned to Changzhou. I don't know if this news is true or not."
"Kai-kun is a wanted criminal of the shogunate, so this matter is kept secret from outsiders. But since Sakamoto-kun asked about this matter, I will tell the truth—yes, he has gone back."
"I understand. Then I will trouble you both to tell Mr. Gui about this. Don't let anyone know except Mr. Gui."
"We're just in charge of delivering the message."
To be cautious, Odamura and Tokita confirmed again.What they were worried about was that if they accidentally got involved in such a thing, they would be pointed at the back and scolded, saying that the two of them had become Sam's lackeys!Comrades will also draw their knives at each other, maybe their heads will be cut off.Takasugi's new government has just been established, and is now busy eliminating dissidents.The Changzhou domain can be described as murderous, and the atmosphere is very tense.
"Just a message. Just let Mr. Gui know what we are going to do before we enter Changzhou, and think about it."
"clear."
"Let me say one more thing, this is all for Changzhou. Once the shogunate launches a second conquest, Changzhou will be beaten to pieces. Therefore, Lord Odamura and Lord Tokita will become your saviors " A few days later, Ryoma set off from Dazaifu and went to sleep with Fujibei.In addition, as the witness that Wu Gongqing agreed with this plan, Guard An Yi, who has been following Wu Gongqing's personal attendant, also went with him.
The destination of Longma and his party is Shimonoseki.When the three of them entered Maguan Port under the jurisdiction of Changzhou by sea, the officials of the Maguan Office had already been waiting on the pier.
"Is this Mr. Caigu?" They approached and asked.
"Exactly."
"I don't know when you will arrive, so since yesterday, whenever a ship docks, I will wait here."
"Thank you." Ryoma nodded.As soon as he knew that the Changzhou Fan had placed great expectations on him, he was immediately full of confidence, secretly thinking that this time he would surely succeed.
The two immediately went to the city, and under the arrangement of the Fan Hall, they lived in the Yahei's house in the inn.
On the second day, just after breakfast, Tokita Shaosuke came when he met Ryoma in Dazaifu.He said to Ryoma: "I sent the message to Katsura Kogoro. He said he wanted to meet you as soon as possible, and he would rush over from the Fan Hall at the mountain pass tomorrow."
After Tokita left, Ryoma's body suddenly changed strangely.His face instantly turned pale. Although it was May, he felt as cold as severe winter.He was holding the wine glass, trembling all over.
"Master, what's wrong with you?" Fujihei panicked, and immediately called the maid, spread the bedding, and forced Ryoma to lie down and rest.
"It's malaria. Don't worry." Ryoma said.
But his face was burning hot, and he was curled up in the quilt, his body was shaking violently, and his teeth were chattering.
Fuji Bingwei hurriedly sent someone to inform the office, and the people in the office were also taken aback.They called in Duoyuan, a doctor who lived in Changfu and specialized in treating malaria. They were worried that the coming and going of the cotton house would not be conducive to recuperation, so they transferred Ryoma to the other courtyard of Qingzang's family in Hamamuraya.
Throughout the night, Fujibei stayed by Ryoma's side to take care of him. "I never heard my father mention your old malaria."
"Malaria is common in Tosa."
Perhaps it was because Tosa was in the south, and there were many mosquitoes that spread scar disease.Ryoma suffered from this disease when he was a child, and has been suffering from it ever since.
"But the little one has never noticed it until now."
"It happened a few times before. But because it's not something to brag about, I endured it myself and didn't let others know."
Ryoma miraculously recovered the next day.
After breakfast, Ryoma leaned against the railing on the second floor, looking down at the street in a daze.At this time, I saw a warrior riding a horse coming from the west intersection.
The person who came here was wearing a Naruyama bamboo hat, a kimono jacket, a horse coat, and a black lacquered scabbard around his waist, both long and short swords, covered in dust.It was Katsura Kogoro.In order to meet Long Ma, he set off from the mountain pass overnight and ran non-stop for more than 160 miles.
Longma understands that Gui, the leader of the new regime in Changzhou, has placed great expectations on the Sa Chang alliance he proposed.
The last time I met Katsura Kogoro was several years ago.Since the decline of Changzhou Fan in August of the third year of Wenjiu, Gui Xiaowulang's life has been full of adventures.After Ha Yumen was defeated in the first battle, he tried his best to escape from the heavily guarded capital.
There was a traveling merchant from Tajima Izushi named Jinsuke, who often went to and from the Tsushima domain.Tsushima Fan is the You Fan of Changzhou, Gui broke into the Tsushima Fan's mansion in desperation, and even helped him to explain the whole story, saying: "I wonder if Mr. Gui can trust me with his life?" Desperate, he handed himself over to this young man.
Jinsuke is a strange person.He and Gui had only met once, and once the shogunate found out about this matter, he would be decapitated, but he was desperate to help Gui.Jinzhu has no knowledge and does not believe in any doctrine.Not only that, but he is also a gambler, and usually likes to gamble a few times, so his old father in Izushi kicked him out of the house.
Zhenzhu dressed Gui as a businessman, broke through the checkpoints of various vassals along the way, and brought him to his hometown of Izuki. He also asked his younger brother Zhizang to help him move Gui around and hide him.
In Tajima, Katsura was the servant of Shonenji Temple in the market village of the foster father's county for a while, and the accountant of the fish merchant in Izushi Castle for a while.In the end, Jinzhu's old father Xi Qixiangzhong married Naozo's younger sister Amo and opened a grocery store.Of course neither Amo nor Xiqi knew his real identity.
Later, Izushi Fan set his sights on Gui, and Jinsuke had to flee with Gui again.At that time, a hot spring inn called Tangdao Village took them in, and the two pretended to be recuperating guests.Yudao Village is an ordinary farmhouse with a straw-roofed roof. It has fields and the farmer runs a hotel.The proprietress Asong is a widow with an only daughter, Duoji.Duoji is responsible for taking care of Gui's daily life.The two fell in love for a long time, and soon Duo Ji became pregnant, but unfortunately miscarried.
Later, Gui asked Jinsuke to go to Changzhou and told Takasugi and other comrades where he was hiding.
During this period, the Changzhou Domain suffered a crushing defeat in the Battle of Maguan Sea, and was hit by the shogunate's first Choshu Conquest, which severely damaged its vitality and desperately needed a talent who could lead the entire domain.So when Gao Shan and others learned that Gui was still alive, they couldn't help being overjoyed and immediately invited him back.
On the first day of the fifth lunar month in the first year of Qingying, Ryoma and Gui Xiaowulang met each other.
Gui, holding a knife in his right hand and a melancholy heroism between his brows, opened the lattice door of Qingzang's other courtyard.
"I heard you were ill."
"Yes, it's malaria." Longma kept staring at Gui.Gui Tiansheng is cautious and never gets straight to the point when talking about things.
"You and I first met in the mountains of Xiangzhou, how many years was Anzheng?"
Seeing this Tosa man who had a romantic relationship with him again, Gui couldn't help but miss the past.
"Did you still study swordsmanship afterward?"
"No more." Ryoma replied.
Katsura used to be the coach of Saito Yakuro Martial Arts, and Ryoma was the coach of Chiba Martial Arts in Otsucho.If the world is peaceful, maybe the two of them will be swordsmen for the rest of their lives.
"Sakamoto-kun, in the fourth year of Ansei, when you and I were fighting swords at the Momoi Haruno Martial Art Museum on the bank of the Hazai River, I was hit on the head by you. I have always owed you a favor."
Ryoma couldn't help being speechless.Does Gui have a good memory, or remember grudges? "Since throwing away the bamboo sword, you and I have fought all the way from the sword. I'm fine, Mr. Gui, it's really not easy for you to survive until now!"
"I'm afraid this is due to the blessing of practicing swordsmanship."
Gui is not praising swordsmanship for self-defense, but saying that swordsmanship allows people to accurately grasp the timing and react quickly.
"Has Mr. Gui ever killed anyone?" Long Ma asked.
"I haven't killed any of them," Gui replied.
The two have one thing in common, that is, although they have the ability to kill people, they have never killed anyone.Perhaps neither of them could bear to take someone's life.
"Good!" Tokita Shaosuke praised, "Toyotomi Taiko doesn't want to kill innocent people indiscriminately, that's why Nobunaga's survivors will support him and help him seize the world. Sakamoto-kun, Gui-kun, it seems that you two Talented people are the ones who should decide the great affairs of the world for the people!"
"Let's get down to business." Gui Zhengse said, "You advocate the Satsuma Alliance, but I don't trust Satsuma, especially Xixiang. To be honest, I hate him very much."
No wonder.Samoans have always been realistic. Yesterday they were friends, but today they are enemies.The Changzhou Fan suffered the most from it.The reason why Gui went into exile and kept his name incognito was thanks to Satsuma and his representative Xixiang.
"Hate is hatred, reality is reality." Ryoma said, "What's Takasugi's opinion on this matter?"
"Not to mention Takasugi."
The meaning of Gui's words is very warm and ambiguous, and there are some hidden feelings in it.
In fact, Takasugi Shinsaku is not in the domain now.He left.
Takasugi is a weirdo.It stands to reason that the new regime was finally established through a coup d'état. He, the person in charge, should have held an important position in the feudal domain. However, he actually said to his comrades: "My mission has been completed. People can share weal and woe, but We cannot enjoy the same blessings. There will definitely be internal strife in the feudal clan. I don’t want to stay in this kind of right and wrong place, I want to go overseas to learn more.” He meant to smuggle.He has abandoned the barbarians and supported the founding of the country.His idea is: while resisting the shogunate, open Shimonoseki as a trading port, enrich the finances of the vassal and at the same time purchase a large number of weapons to create favorable conditions for fighting the shogunate.He only told a few comrades about this secret plan, and told them not to reveal it.However, when he was wandering between Nagasaki and the feudal country, other comrades had already noticed his thoughts.These people are extreme anti-barbarians.It is precisely because of his advocacy to fight against the barbarians that he was able to riot at Hayumon, confront the Shikoku fleet in the Maguan Strait, and fight all the way down with the shogunate who pursued the founding of the country.And in these struggles, Takasugi has always been at the forefront.However, since making peace with representatives of the Shikoku Fleet, Takasugi has suddenly realized that war with foreign countries is foolish.Once he understood this truth, this fickle person had a complete change of mind.
Takasugi rebelled and even said that he wanted to deal with foreigners.How is this any different from those Saba sects in Fanli!Pure anti-barbarians are ideologically crazy, so even if Takasugi defends, they will not understand.Because of this, Takasugi did not argue with them.Later, these guys even threatened to "kill him" and searched for his traces everywhere.Takasugi couldn't help being dumbfounded when he learned about it, and thought: How can I, Takasugi Shinsaku, die at the hands of this generation!So he flew away.
For Ryoma, the fate of Takasugi is a problem within the Changzhou Domain, and he doesn't care.Instead, he began to try his best to persuade Gui to accept the Sa Chang alliance.Gui is an extremely cautious person and will not be easily tempted. However, he was finally moved by Longma's persistent persuasion, and he said, "As long as Sazhou is willing, Changzhou will not object." He then added, " However, people in my domain hate the Satsuma domain extremely, so this matter must be kept secret."
After Gui left, another guest came.The appearance of this person can only be described as unexpected.With such an astonishing fate, Ryoma, who never believed in gods, couldn't help sighing: Is there really a god in this world?It was this romance that foretold Ryoma's fate.
Long Ma originally thought that the world was so big that he was the only one working hard for the big plan of the Sa Chang Alliance.However, there were still people who thought the same as him, and they turned out to be Shintaro Nakaoka and Kusuzaemon Hijikata, who were from the same hometown.
When Ryoma set off from Kagoshima, he originally thought of asking Nakaoka for help.
After Nakaoka left the feudal clan, he lived in Changzhou, shared weal and woe with the people of Changzhou, and was treated like a distinguished guest at a young age.If you can invite Zhonggang to come forward, the chances of persuading Changzhou will be a little better.But unexpectedly, Nakaoka and Hijikata went to Kyoto to inquire about the situation.Long Ma was very disappointed, so he had to come to Changzhou alone.
Surprisingly, Nakaoka, who was hiding in Kyoto, had exactly the same thoughts as Ryoma.
Since he happened to live in the Satsuma domain in Nishinokoji in Kyoto, he discussed with Yoshii Kosuke and others from the same domain.Not only that, he also went to Iwakura Village in the northern outskirts of Kyoto, and visited Iwakura Gushi, a public official who lived in seclusion there.Iwakura is a strange man who is regarded as a monster by the world.Nakaoka went to ask him for a helping hand, and Iwakura readily agreed.
After careful preparation, Nakaoka believed that the key was to convince Gui from Changzhou and Xixiang from Sazhou.As long as this person joins hands, the rest will be easy to handle.So he said to Hijikata Kusuzaemon Hisamoto, who was traveling with him, "I'm going to go around in many directions. But I'm at a loss, so let's split up. You go to Changzhou and convey the general idea of this matter to Katsura, and I will go to Satsuma immediately to persuade him. Xixiang, if possible, I will bring Xixiang to Changzhou to promote an alliance between the two clans."
Since then, Nakaoka has shown his talents.He left Kyoto on May 24th.Coincidentally, it was on the same day that Ryoma, who was far away in Kyushu Dazaifu, told Sanjo Qing about the plan of the Saga Alliance.
Nakaoka and Hijikata went west along the coastal road and parted ways at Buzentaura Port.Nakaoka then sailed to Kagoshima, while Hijikata made his way to Changshu.
When Hijikata Kusuzaemon entered Changzhou Fukuura Port by sea, it was already two days after Ryoma arrived in Changzhou.Hijikata didn't know that Ryoma had arrived in Changzhou, and Fukuhara Kazukatsu, an important person from the Changzhou Domain, came to greet him. He rode to the Changfu to stay, where he met with more Changzhou people.While talking and laughing, he nonchalantly tested whether the Changzhou people were willing to reconcile with Satsuma.
On the second day after Longma and Gui met, the Tufang learned about it.He immediately rode his horse to Maguan and found Longma's residence.
Faced with such a miraculous coincidence, Ryoma couldn't help being extremely surprised, and sighed: "It's God's will!"
Since Hijikata Kusuzaemon came to Ryoma's residence, the situation suddenly became clear.
"Kuzaemon, you did a great job!" Ryoma praised this comrade from his hometown who was two years older than him.
"However, Ryoma," Hijikata said, "whether this matter will be successful depends on whether Xixiang is willing to come to Changzhou. I wonder if Nakaoka can invite Xixiang."
"Don't worry." Ryoma said.
Although Shintaro Nakaoka does not have high prestige, he has a special ability when dealing with people.He would stare the other person in the eyes with a menacing spirit, and his words were often sharp and thoughtful, all of which made Ryoma feel that he was best suited to persuade others.Moreover, Xixiang, whom he wants to persuade, has already learned about this matter through Ryoma. After Ryoma left Satsuma, Xixiang should be working hard for it.
"I don't know what Satsuma Fan thinks."
"Don't worry. Saigo promised this when I was still in Kagoshima. He will never promise something that he can't accomplish."
On the same day, Tokita Shaosuke came from the Changzhou Domain, and said: "I'm afraid there may be a leak at the inn. You should know Masaichiro Shiraishi. Please move to his house for a while."
So the two changed places.Shiraishi Masaichiro is the owner of a shipping company in Maguan, the richest man in Changzhou, and a famous chivalrous merchant.He not only subsidized a large sum of money to the vassal state for the cause of honoring the king, but also took care of the people with lofty ideals in many ways since Anzheng, or opened inns for them, or provided travel expenses to the poor and destitute.Longma stayed here before leaving the feudal clan and entering Beijing.
The next day, Katsura Kogoro came to visit.As soon as they met, he asked anxiously, "Sakamoto-kun, is this all right?"
Gui has already told the feudal lord and his son.In order to conquer Changzhou again, the general has set off from Edo and marched all the way to Junfu. At this critical juncture, the only way for Changzhou to prevent the vassal from perishing is if Ryoma proposes an alliance with Sazhou.The treatment of Longma and Tufang is getting better day by day, precisely because the key to the survival of a feudal clan lies in the hands of these two Tuzhou people.
Longma told Gui that Zhonggang had gone to Xixiang to try to bring Xixiang to Changzhou.Hearing what Longma said, Gui couldn't help but smile.But he immediately lowered his face and muttered, "Is there any problem?"
While Ryoma temporarily lived in Shiraishi Mansion in Maguan, he waited for Nakaoka.No, it should be said that he was waiting for Saigo who came with Nakaoka.
Maguan is a place where discussions gather.This is the number one seaport in West Japan, and there is no better place to know the world situation than here.One of the reasons why the Changzhou vassals were able to quickly understand the changes in the trend of the times was that there was Maguan, a maritime transportation fortress in the territory.
One day, a Changzhou vassal who came to visit Ryoma tremblingly broke the news: Mito Takeda Kounsai Zunwang Banyi was brutally executed.When he was in Dazaifu, Ryoma heard a little about this matter, but he didn't know the details.
武田耕云斋乃水户重臣，可以说是早期尊王攘夷运动的统帅。后来，水户藩中的佐幕派占据了上风，不同派别开始在藩内互相残杀。再后来，耕云斋所属的激进派在这场斗争中失败，最后他召集同志，准备进京，向朝廷和一桥庆喜申诉。出人意料的是，竟然有包括浪人在内的八百余人响应，后来这些人与前去镇压的幕府军队及各藩士兵交锋，边打边向西进。途中，他们在越前饱受饥饿和寒冷的折磨，惨不忍睹，最后经加贺藩斡旋向幕府投降。此时还剩下七百七十六人。幕府验明了正身，收缴了武器，把他们监禁在敦贺。
敦贺却没有能够收容这么多人的牢房。好在沿海一带有许多储藏鲱鱼的仓库，于是幕府便把所有人扔进了那里。
加贺藩收留这些水户藩士，是遵循各藩收留赤穗四十七义士的先例，以武士道加以礼遇，然而，自从这些水户人被遣送到敦贺，交到幕府手上，所受待遇简直猪狗不如。仓库的窗户被封死，每座仓库（大的宽十三四米，小的宽十来米）塞进五十个人，每人每天只给两个饭团。不仅如此，幕府还扒了他们的衣服，甚至兜裆布，他们几乎赤身裸体地被塞了进去。简直是骇人听闻。
后来判决下来。幕府在敦贺郊外来迎寺周边的野地里挖了五个四五米的方形大坑，然后将武田耕云斋等二十四名领头的押到坑边，全部斩首后，将尸体扔进坑里。接下来陆续将余下的人斩首并扔进坑里。这可以说是史上罕见的大屠杀。
龙马听完此事，整日没有进食，也没有说话。难道还要让残忍至极的德川幕府继续安坐高位？
中冈慎太郎迟迟未回。只要萨长能联手，天下大事成矣。正因为抱着莫大的期望，一向沉稳的龙马竟然也有些焦急。而且幕府的大军已经簇拥着德川将军，返着煙锵的步伐，一天天向西逼近了。
土方楠左卫门因为大宰府有急事要处理，已经离开马关。龙马独自留宿在白石府。一天，他突发奇想，要给姐姐乙女写封信。
龙马借了支笔，随意写起自己的近况。
然后，他又给春猪、老源头和阿丫婆写了信。正巧白石家是做船行生意的，龙马便拜托开往土佐的船替他捎信。
桂也焦急万分，至少每三日来一次，总问：“西乡还没来？”一天，已经忍耐不住的桂终于说：“坂本君，我现在的处境可谓痛苦不堪。与西乡君会面商谈联盟之事，我确实已经告诉了藩公父子，而且还告诉了藩厅的一小部分人，当然已经嘱咐他们这是绝密。可是秘密很容易泄露出去。”
“泄密了？”
“已经有很多人知道了。在藩厅还有人公然斥责我，军队里还有人扬言要杀了我。”
龙马并不同情桂，“桂君，你只要装糊涂即可。因为你频繁往来于山口和马关，才招致怀疑，但只要你告诉他们马关有一个相好的艺伎就行。与其说来找我，倒不如说是在那里流连，如何？”
“这种做法在马上就要和幕府开战的长州是行不通的。那些情绪激昂的家伙会以荒废大事为由杀了我。”
其实还有一事。京都三本木的艺伎几松现在就在山口。桂是怕这位爱侣找他算账。
闰五月二十一，晴。
这天傍晚，龙马正用晚饭，格子门哗啦打开了，他猛地扔掉了筷子。门口站的不是别人，正是他日思夜盼的中冈慎太郎。
“我等得你好苦！”
龙马此言刚出，中冈将长刀扔到一边，道：“失败了。”他瘫坐在地上。带家纹的和服已被海水打湿，变得皱皱巴巴。
“中冈，振作起来！这个世上没有失败。”龙马鼓励他。
中冈缓缓将详情道出。
中冈于闰五月初六经海路到达鹿儿岛后，立刻找到西乡府上，开始交涉萨长联盟一事。
“当然没问题。”西乡设下酒宴款待中冈，道，“贵藩的坂本先生也同我说过这件事。他训斥我说，决不能纠缠于私怨。可长州人作何想法？”
西乡担心的是，萨摩妥协了，长州却不肯妥协。事实上，长州人的固执实在是让萨摩人伤透了脑筋。即便是现在，往来于濑户内海的萨摩藩船只，没有一艘敢停靠在长州的港口。因为一旦靠岸，聚集在沿岸的长州藩地方军便会冲杀过来。而且，在长州藩，公文中提到萨摩藩时，也常常写作“萨贼”。
“这个请您放心。桂君说想要与足下见一面，开诚布公地畅谈一番，现在已经从山口的藩厅出发，在马关恭候大驾了。”
“哦，桂君已经平安回去了。太好了！”
“桂君诚意十足。想必您定会与他见面吧？”
不愧是“铁嘴中冈”。
“当然要见。”西乡点点头，立刻吩咐手下备船。
十六日出航。十七日在日向兔浦等待顺风，十八日停泊在丰后佐贺关。马关已经近在咫尺。
然而，船都开到了这里，西乡却忽然生事。“中冈君，实在对不住。收到一封信，让我即刻赶回京都。我恐怕去不了马关了，真是遗憾。”西乡没精打釆，表情里透着不爽快。连中冈都能看出他在撒谎。
“中冈，沉住气！”听了这一番曲折，龙马安慰道。
“我很冷静。”中冈脸色苍白，道。
“之后怎样？”
“在船上，我狠狠地逼问了西乡一番，到底是何十万火急之事，让他连马关都来不了。”
西乡说，将军正率军亲征。虽然目标是长州，可是必须阻止这次鲁莽的出兵。
“萨长联盟不就是为此吗？”中冈不死心，追问道。
西乡回答：“正是。不过目前的当务之急是去阻止将军，而不是在马关与桂君见面。”
能够阻止将军此次鲁莽出兵的非朝廷莫属。但是公卿们个个软弱无能，定会被幕府牵着鼻子走。因此需要火速上京，遍访二条关白等当权公卿，向他们言明，此次再度讨伐长州实乃无名之师，萨摩藩非但不会加入，而且反对这次出兵。
“可是，大久保大人此刻不就在京都为此事而奔走吗？”中冈穷追不舍。
“就是大久保来信让我回去帮他。”西乡已经有些强词夺理了。
“那么，就让船在马关略作停靠，请您和桂君见上一面吧，只要半个时辰就好。”
“不必，虽然很想见面，不过以后有的是机会。”
西乡始终不为所动，中冈只得放弃。
中冈便下了船，雇了一艘渔舟，穿越海峡，来到了马关。
看来西乡变了心思。一瞬间，龙马这样想道，但立刻又改变了这个想法：是不是我们太着急了？中冈用他三寸不烂之舌与西乡理论，西乡只得被迫作出回应。西乡一定是被中冈的气势所感才上了船，结果在船上静下心来仔细一想，为何要我萨摩藩赶赴长州军门？一旦迈出这一步，岂不是反倒成了我藩欠他人情一般？所以西乡这么做是为了维护萨摩藩的体面。而且，仅因土州浪人中冈慎太郎的一张嘴便生生被拽了出来，轻易跑到马关这个偏远之地，万一对萨摩恨之入骨的长州人汇聚前来，令他遭受意外的羞辱可如何是好？
西乡定是想到了这些。事到如今他还是一心只想着萨摩，真是不明事理。龙马心里一边想着，一边开始搜罗话语安慰中冈。谁知中冈完全听不进去，只是担心桂会大怒。“一旦桂发怒，萨长联盟永远也不可能实现了，日本定会沉到黑暗的无底深渊。”中冈叹道。
正在此时，桂小五郎推门进来。
“桂君，万分抱歉！西乡君，没来。”中冈语调僵硬地说，看神情仿佛立刻就要切腹谢罪。
“什么？！”桂的双手由于愤怒而不住地发抖。
中冈将来龙去脉讲了一遍。可桂根本听不进去。“不用解释了！”他怒道，“西乡没来就没来。中间的经过我不想听。中冈君，我听到你们这个提议时就怀疑事情能否成功。因为你们啰唆不停所以我才答应。长州受到了侮辱。除了耻辱，长州什么也没得到。”桂说。
萨摩就好像一个美丽的女子。龙马和中冈则是媒人。女子并没有托他们说亲，二人便跑到长州这个男子处说媒。男子抱着半信半疑的态度在相亲的地方等着，结果女子最终也没有来。男子的脸面荡然无存。而女子原本就不曾对男子有意。
"Ashamed."
中冈这个凄惨的媒人甚至有些滑稽。
“惭愧二字就能了结吗？”桂大发雷霆，对着中冈嚷起来，“如此一来，我将令长州遭受奇耻大辱！这种难以承受的心情，你这个外藩人怎会懂得！”
“我懂。”中冈的脸已经憋得通红，可是桂的怒气丝毫没有平息的迹象。“中冈君，实话告诉你。长州原本就没人想要同萨摩那些浑球联手。奇兵队的队长甚至说，与其同萨摩联手，还不如把洋夷的靴子套在头上！藩公父子大致也是同样心情。就是在这种情况下，我拼命劝说他们，好不容易来到马关与西乡会面。你让我回去后如何向他们解释？按理我必须切腹自杀。”
“就让我切腹吧！”中冈道。
可是桂却说：“你是土佐人。外藩之人就算切腹也于事无补。”
“精彩！”龙马哈哈大笑，“大骂了这么久，肚子里的火气也该消了吧？”
“坂本君……”
“我明白。我有一个绝妙的主意，事关长州兴亡。想听吗？”龙马对桂道。桂坐正身子。他发泄了一番，脸色发白。 "Speaking."
“怒气消了？”
“没有。”桂的声音无精打釆。可是他面对坦然的龙马，怎么也骂不出来。“那就等你气消了再说。”
桂急了。既然是事关长州兴亡的绝妙主意，却又不说下文。“你耍我？”
“把这种事告诉一个正在气头上的人是没用的。”
“不，我不气了，心情已经平静下来。”
“长州将会和幕府交战，而多半会战败。但并非没有取胜之法。那就是买入军舰和洋枪洋炮。”
“这个我明白。可是买不了又能怎么办？”
日本的执政府是幕府。此外还有京都朝廷。外国商社怎么可能把武器卖给长州这个幕府和朝廷的敌人呢？一旦卖给长州，他们将无法在日本立足，更别提做生意了。
“用萨摩的名义买。”龙马出其不意道。
“你难道糊涂了？萨摩的态度中冈不是已经说过了吗？”
“我是不是还没给桂君讲过我的龟山公司啊。我现在在替萨摩做生意。”
“我听说了。”
“那不就成了吗？龟山公司买入军舰，不就和萨摩买的一样吗？我会把军舰原封不动地转给长州。”
“美利坚合众国的南北战争已经结束了。战争中制造的枪炮严重过剩，美国人正在为如何处理而犯愁。军火商到上海，将那些枪炮不断地堆积在港口的仓库里。只要长州悄悄地买入那些武器，以此和幕府对抗，便能将只会使火枪的幕府军队打得鬼哭狼嚎。”
“啊！”桂很感兴趣，“此话当真？”
“当然不假。我之所以成立以土佐人为主的龟山商社，正是为此。通过我的公司，萨长就能够联手。也就是说，先在生意场上联手。只要双方了解了对方的真心，自然便会结成同盟。”
“嗯。”桂的目光炯炯有神。
龙马接着道：“仔细想一想，让西乡来到马关与你握手言和，一下子实现萨长联盟，这从一开始就不太可能。虽然知道不太可能，还是掷了色子，不过没有出现想要的点。世间之事，不能总期待着出现奇迹。桂君，你最好也不要动不动就发火。”
“拜托了！”桂握住了龙马的手。
Notes:
Notes: