Chapter 51 One, two, three exchanges

After Sakamoto Ryoma made a promise to Katsura Kogoro in Shimonoseki, he became busy. After parting with Gui in Maguan, he immediately asked the messenger of the Changzhou Domain to send an urgent report to the comrades of the Kameyama Trading Company in Nagasaki. "Please buy a warship." The details of the incident were also written in the letter.Next, Ryoma wrote a letter to Komatsu, the elder of the Satsuma clan, explaining the incident in detail and entrusting everything to him. Ryoma quickly got a reply, and both sides claimed to cooperate.Ryoma couldn't help clapping his hands, and immediately borrowed a horse from the host Baishi's family, and rushed to the mountain pass to find Gui Xiaowulang.

Nakaoka also rode to keep up with Ryoma.As he ran, he was full of thoughts.What is the cause of restoration?He talked with his comrades, punished the Saba faction in the name of Tianzhu in Kyoto, manipulated the ministers, fought with the Shinsengumi, participated in the righteous deeds of the Tianzhu group, and confronted the shogunate army at Hayumen.Nakaoka thought that these were the achievements of the Restoration.He and the Tosa Ronin rushed all the way from the bloody battlefield, thinking about it all the time.However, Ryoma's approach is different.Even though they are all advocating the Sa-Chang alliance, Longma does not mention any doctrines, but lures them with benefits.It's a completely different approach, extreme reality.

"Ryoma, I understand." He rode his horse and rode side by side, and said suddenly. "Understand what?" "Your approach. When I was thinking about the Sa Chang alliance, I felt that it was wrong for two feudal vassals who are the same respected kings to hate each other. Since they have the same ideas, they should unite. I originally wanted to let the two sides shake hands and make peace." However, Ryoma started from the interests.He carefully studied the actual situation of Chief Sa, and believed that even if water and fire were incompatible, there should be some points of agreement in interests.For example, Changzhou is happy to buy weapons, but it doesn't matter to Satsuma.So make a connection here first.This kind of approach, Nakaoka and other people with lofty ideals would never have thought of it anyway.

"As long as you have noble morals, it doesn't matter if you use the way of a businessman. Rather, it is not ideas that move the world, but economics." Ryoma said in Tosa's words. After a while, the two arrived at the fan hall in Shankou and saw Gui. "Can you find a sensible person and send him to Nagasaki immediately?" Ryoma said. Although it is necessary to buy a warship in Nagasaki, Ryoma in Changzhou cannot grasp how much it is worth and what kind of warship he wants to buy.The comrades of the Kameyama Trading Company and the old man of the Satsuma clan should handle all matters as appropriate.However, the actual buyer is Changzhou.So of course, Changzhou Fan must send someone there.

In the inn at Yuda Onsen on the outskirts of Yamaguchi, Ryoma said to Gui: "You must not use such a stubborn and incompetent person this time." Ryoma hopes to send a flexible person there.If it is the kind of person who is full of respect for the king and fighting against the barbarians, and is dazzled by the hatred of Satsuma, he will definitely not be able to do the big deal of buying a warship.And when they arrive at the local area, they will definitely only quarrel with the Samoans. "There just happens to be a suitable candidate." Gui said. Early the next morning, he brought two young men.

How do you look like a Korean?Seeing the two people's high cheekbones and the corners of their eyes hanging upwards, Longma became suspicious. "This is Inoue Munta, and that is Shunsuke Ito." Gui introduced, then pointed to Ryomadao, "This is Mr. Sakamoto from Tuzhou." Ryoma was a little embarrassed. Inoue Wenduo was the same age as Ryoma, and was born in the family of a sergeant.Shunsuke Ito was a corporal.Born in a farm family, he ran errands in the samurai's house when he was young. He was spotted by Yoshida Minorume from his neighbor by chance, and he fell in love with him very much, so he brought him under the door of Yoshida Shoin.

"Shunfu has the talent of mediation." Shoin once praised him.Shoin felt sorry for his low status, so he asked him to be a retainer for the samurai Laihara Liangzang.After Lai Yuan died, Gui took him in.Of course, this is to let Shunsuke gain the right to speak in the feudal domain, and there is no such thing as a retainer. As a man of lofty ideals, Shunfu had followed others to assist in assassinations, or set fire to a foreign firm when he was just a fledgling, and did some stupid things.Later, as a secret foreign student of the vassal government, he disguised himself as a coolie and traveled to England.The person traveling with him is Wenta Inoue.Not long after, the Maguan naval battle broke out, and they returned to the Changzhou Fan and became one of the few Western Affairs Experts in the Fan.

"Please, both of you." Ryoma wrote two letters of recommendation, one to the comrades of Kameyama Trading Co., and the other to Komatsu in Nagasaki with a knife, and handed them over, saying: "If anyone knows that you are People from Changzhou, your lives are in danger. When you go to Nagasaki, you will live in Satsuma Prefecture, acting like Satsuma people." The hot summer is approaching day by day. Ryoma made a proper confession to Gui and the others at Changzhou Mountain Pass, and ten days later, he was already walking briskly on Fushimi Avenue under the scorching sun, headed for Kyoto.

Sleeping to wait for Fujihei to stride short legs, short steps quickly, followed behind Ryoma.Behind him is Shintaro Nakaoka. "Master, I heard that Kyoto is a hell for ronin." "Oh." On the way, they passed several levels.The Aizu Fan, Kuwana Fan, Ogaki Fan, Shinsengumi, Mikaigumi, etc. have been ordered by the shogunate to prevent the Choshu people and Choshu sent ronin from sneaking in. Whenever confronted with interrogations, Ryoma and Nakaoka would pretend to be Satsuma clansmen.No matter which level they are in, the two of them didn't change their faces when they said this.No matter what the other party asked, they shook their heads desperately, and they all answered in fast Satsuma dialect: "I don't know. I don't understand what you are talking about. I just came out of Satsuma, so I don't know anything." Indeed, there are many people who cannot understand the speech of outsiders.

"Hillbilly," the sentries usually mutter before letting them pass.Moreover, Satsuma and the shogunate are now in control of the political circles in Kyoto, so even if they feel suspicious, they are afraid of getting into trouble and will eventually let it go. The two arrived at the Satsuma Mansion on Jinxiaolu smoothly. Takamori Saigo was not in the mansion, he said he had gone to Sanppongi for a meeting with people from the Aizu domain, and he would be back in the evening. The two were warmly received.It was as if the mansion was welcoming the nobles, and specially assigned a tea maker for them, prepared to take a bath, served wine and food, all respectful.

There was a young man named Takasaki Sataro, who was in charge of receiving visitors from the feudal lords in Kyoto. He said to Ryoma and Nakaoka, "You must have heard about what the shogunate thinks this time." He began to talk about the recent events of the shogunate. situation.The shogunate's crusade against Changzhou again this time is bound to put Changzhou to death. "What about after defeating Changzhou?" "It is said that Changzhou will be under the direct jurisdiction of the shogunate, and the income from Changzhou will be used as naval expenses. This is the proposal of Uenosuke Oguri. He has been very popular in the shogunate recently." The shogunate seems to have pinned its own rise and fall on the Changzhou conquest.The shogunate has decided to execute all the ronin who fled to Changzhou, such as the Qinwang Party of the Changzhou Domain and Nakaoka, after the elimination of Changzhou, and exile the five exiled ministers including Mimi Sanjo from Dazaifu to Hachijo Island. "Our clan has countermeasures. I think you already know it. My clan believes that the shogunate's attack on Changzhou again is an unjust war entirely for its own benefit. We will resolutely not respond or send troops..." "I would like to ask you a question," Long Ma said, "I heard that your rice harvest is not good this year." "what?" It is true that Satsuma has had a poor rice harvest this year.Satsuma does not produce much rice at all, and sweet potatoes, weeds and millet are the staple food.Even in the families of high-ranking samurai, sweet potatoes are indispensable for three meals a day. Now there is a troublesome thing.In order to adapt to the great changes in the current situation, the Savannah mobilized a large number of soldiers from the feudal clan to Beijing in the name of guarding the capital.Do they still eat sweet potatoes in Kyoto?Ryoma was thinking about this question. Absolutely not, he thought.The samurai of the various feudal domains have ridiculed the Satsuma people as "sweet potato warriors" behind their backs on weekdays. If they still eat sweet potatoes in the prosperous Kyoto, it will not only affect the popularity of the Satsuma domain, but also lose the prestige of the feudal domain as the dominant political power in Kyoto. But no rice.Of course, as long as you are willing to spend money, you can buy as much as you want from the rice merchants in Osaka and Otsu.However, it is really painful for the shrewd Satsuma clan to watch their soldiers eat expensive rice. "Actually, there is cheap rice," Ryoma said.I really don't know whether he is a diligent king or a shrewd businessman. "Oh? This is really tempting news!" Takasaki Sataro leaned forward.He is one of the best poets in Satsuma, and later became the sender of the royal song in the palace, and became the person who wrote poems with Emperor Meiji.However, when he was young, he was somewhat interested in financial management. "Where can I find cheap rice?" "Well, I don't know yet." Ryoma was deliberately vague.In fact, Longma thought of rice from Changzhou.Changzhou is rich in rice. Although the feudal lord nominally receives a salary of 369,000 shi, after more than 200 years of cultivation, his wealth has already exceeded a million shi.Ryoma intends to persuade Changzhou to distribute some rice to the Kyoto garrison of the Satsuma domain as military rations. If this comes to fruition, Ryoma thought, the rice would mean something.Because the most important purpose of Satsuma's army stationed in Kyoto is to contain the shogunate and prevent the second conquest of Changzhou.For Changzhou, this couldn't be better.As a gift, Changzhou should send the rice to Beijing as Satsuma's military rations.The hatred of Satsuma people in Changzhou may be weakened by rice. Longma will not talk about the great principles of King Qin, but wants to turn the great idea of ​​Sa Chang into reality step by step through this method. At dusk, Xixiang returned home. "Ah, Sakamoto-kun is here! And Nakaoka-kun!" Saigo walked into the room without wiping off the sweat from his face. "I didn't go to Maguan, so I'm really sorry for you. I apologize to you. It seems that the two big matchmakers came here to ask my teacher for a crime?" "Speaking about matchmaking," Long Ma said, "I don't do it right now." "Don't do it? You, a matchmaker, are no longer willing to deal with me, Xixiang?" After Xixiang finished speaking, his eyes suddenly showed shame, and his cheeks turned red due to the surge of blood.He made an appointment with Zhonggang to meet at Maguan and Gui, but changed his mind when he reached Sagaguan.This is true.Xixiang thought that Ryoma was angry because of his broken promise. I pissed him off, and it was really my fault.Thinking of this, Xixiang blushed like a child and panicked. It's really hard to see through.Ryoma observed Saigo.What's interesting is that this childlike Xixiang is also using his powers and tricks to stage scenes in front of people without changing his face.He has profound intellect and childlike innocence.The charm of Xixiang lies in the fact that these two completely opposite personalities co-exist in one body very naturally, and these two faces are constantly intertwined, shining brightly.Because of this, there is such a strange phenomenon: Compared with the feudal lord, the athletes of Sanan are more willing to give up their lives for Xixiang. "No no." In front of Saigo's childlike innocence, even Ryoma was a little embarrassed, "I didn't say that. It's just that I realize it's too early to do it. I mean temporarily Put aside the matter of saying kiss, the next thing to do is to try to find a way to make the two parties feel that they must get married." "Ah, I'm finally relieved." Xixiang smiled, turned to Yoshii Kosuke and Nakamura Hanjiro and said, "Is there anything to eat?" The two hurriedly asked the officials in charge of meals in the feudal mansion, and when they came back, they said that there were only dried fish and other dry goods.After a while, the servant brought the food from the kitchen. "Why did you change your mind at Saga Pass?" Ryoma asked. Xixiang smiled, and did not answer this question directly, but said: "No matter which feudal clan, there are obsessed, stubborn and old-fashioned Saba sects." In other words, Xixiang failed to get the approval of Shimadzu Hisamitsu and other nobles in the feudal clan in the end.Joining forces with the enemy of Changzhou is unimaginable according to common sense.If Xixiang went to shake hands and make peace without authorization, he would become an autocratic and polished commander. "I understand what you mean, but there is one more thing." Ryoma said one by one, "The Changzhou Domain wants to purchase warship guns in Nagasaki, and I hope to purchase them in the name of the Satsuma Domain. Regarding this matter, I I have already asked Mr. Komatsu, the elder of the Guifan family who is working in Nagasaki, to help with it, and Changzhou should have sent Inoue Wenta and Ito Shunsuke to Nagasaki to take care of the purchase." Ryoma clearly cut first and then played, and now he is asking Xixiang again agreed. "Of course there is no problem. The name of the Satsuma Domain has already been lent to your Kameyama Trading Company. No matter what you do in this name, no one in the Satsuma Domain will complain." Inoue Munta and Ito Shunsuke, secret envoys of the Changzhou clan, set off from Shimonoseki, Changzhou on July 16.They crossed the sea to Kyushu on wooden boats. The comrade said that the two were like a pair of wine jugs enshrined in front of the gods. They would go together wherever they went, and they also had similar tastes in their love for women.Both of them have just the right amount of humor and bravery. On the boat, Ito said: "Hey, Wen Duo. No matter how hot it is, you can't take off the grass hat!" "I understand." Inoue Wenta replied.On his face, there was a thick and deep scar from the right cheek to the lip.If this face was shown on the way, the people in the inn would definitely doubt his identity.Not only is there scars on the face, but if the upper body is exposed, you can see the knife wounds all over the body.These scars have a history. Just after Xu time on September 25th in the first year of Yuanzhi, Inoue left the feudal hall and walked towards his home in Yuda, a suburb of Yamaguchi.When they reached the Xiujie Bridge, suddenly several warriors came out from the darkness and asked, "Is this Mr. Wen Duo here?" "Exactly," he replied. As soon as the words fell, one of them immediately hugged him from behind, and the rest raised their swords and slashed randomly according to Wen Duo.The first slash was on the back, but fortunately Wen Duo's long knife happened to be on the back, blocking that slash.Although he was hacked so that blood gushed out, he didn't hurt his vitals.Just as Wen Duo was struggling to stand up, he was stabbed hard on the back of the head, and then his face was also chopped off. At the same time, a knife swept across his feet, and a big gash was cut in his abdomen.It's really God's blessing, Wen Duo happened to be carrying a bronze mirror in his arms, and the blade slashed on the bronze mirror, which didn't kill him.This mirror was made by a general store named Matsugi in Kyoto, and it was packed in a rather ornate embroidered bag made of Gobelin-style brocade.It was a gift from Wen Duo's former friend, a geisha named Kimio in Gion, Kyoto. Later, a nearby farmer carried him home, and the farmer's family quickly found two doctors, but the doctors were helpless.It just so happened that a Mino ronin named Suo Yutaro came to visit at this time. Seeing the situation, he said, "Although I'm not sure, let me try to sew it up for him." It took him two hours to sew up fifty stitches. Wen Duo took care of the needle for several days. It was the Saba faction in the feudal clan who attacked Wen Duo, but in the end, no one was able to find out his name. Not long after the incident, Wen Duo was targeted by the radical anti-barbarian faction again.This time he disguised himself as a traveler and fled to Beppu, where he took refuge in a local rogue leader named Tangui.Because of the scars all over his body, he was very comfortable among that group of people.Wen Duo said nonsense to the gamblers who were in the same place: "I had an affair with other people's wives, and that's why I became like this." No matter what, he was a hard-fated man. The two stopped in front of Dazaifu. The reason why these two optimistic Changzhou people stopped by Chikuzen Dazaifu is because there are Tosa ronin here. They met with Mijo Sanjo and told them all about the secrets they had to do in Nagasaki. "We have been waiting for this day." Sanjo and the accompanying warriors said.It turned out that they already knew the details. "Sakamoto Ryoma has already told us in detail about the purchase of warship guns by Nagashu in the name of Satsuma." Kusumoto, a native of Tuzhou, volunteered to lead the two of them to visit the Kameyama Trading Company in Nagasaki. Hijikata Kusuzaemon also took good care of them, and said: "It will be dangerous to walk on the road as a native of Choshu. It is best to go on the road dressed as a Satsuma vassal." At this time, Hikojuro Shinozaki and Hikosuke Shibuya of the Satsuma Domain happened to be in Dazaifu. Hijikata obtained the consent of the two on this matter, and let Wenduo and Ito go on the road as them. On the 19th, they set off from Dazaifu.On the 21st, sneaked into Nagasaki.After entering Nagasaki, they immediately rushed to Kameyama, where the Kameyama Trading Company formed by Ryoma's comrades was located. "Shunsuke." While climbing the stone steps, Inoue Wenta whispered, "I heard that the prostitutes in Nagasaki are beautiful and cheap. I really want to see them soon." "Be careful the scar hurts." "Fool. As long as it is something you like, not only will it not hurt, but it will also be a good medicine!" "Wen Duo, I advise you to restrain yourself a bit." Shunsuke Ito said, "We are not here this time to have fun, but to buy a warship." "I know." While speaking, the two had already arrived at Guishan Trading Company.In front of me was a small house.The poor appearance surprised the two of them.Sakamoto Ryoma took a bite of Kameyama Trading Company, and thought it was such an amazing mansion, but it turned out to be this hut! The two walked in.They were taken to a six-fold room inside, and Ryoma's subordinates came in one after another, greeting them one by one. One of them said: "Chojiro Kondo from Xiatuzhou." This person is smart and exposed, and he must be a person with a quick mind and outstanding ability.Longma usually calls him "Mantou-jun". The man who sells steamed buns is proficient in Lanxue, and also knows some English.Longma took a fancy to this point, and instructed in the letter sent by Maguan: "The purchase of warships in Changzhou must be in charge of Mr. Mantou." So, at this moment, the Mantou gentleman said: "The two of you will be taken care of by me during this period of time in Nagasaki." He continued, "Let's go to the residence first, and you will live there from tonight. " "Where do we live?" Wen Duo and Shun Fu asked. "Sazhou Prefecture." Mr. Mantou replied solemnly. This Mantou gentleman also has a history. In Kochi Castle, there is a waterway flowing behind Ryoma's house, hence the name Suido Town.There is a steamed bun shop called Daikokuya in Suido Town, where Chojiro was born.When he was still a boy, he peddled along the street with a wooden box full of steamed buns, so people on the street called him "Chojiro of the steamed bun shop".Otome loves steamed buns very much, and when she hears the cries, she will always shout: "Ah, Chojiro is here, Chojiro is here." Send Ryoma's wet nurse, Aya, to buy steamed buns. Later, Changjiro stopped selling steamed buns and began to learn knowledge and painting.The painter learned a lot about foreign countries from Xiaolong Kawada, and met Ryoma who returned from Edo after completing kendo training in Xiaolong's private school.Afterwards, he became an attendant of Sergeant Yuhiina and came to Edo.In Edo, he studied Sinology with Anji Gensai, Western Studies from Tezuka Genkai, and artillery skills from Takashima Akiho. His remarkable talent amazed the Tosa people.In order to allow him to continue his studies, he was allowed to be called Dai Dao, and allowed to hire two servants. The salary was paid by the feudal clan. In addition, he was also given ten taels of gold every year and enjoyed it for life.In Tosa, a feudal land known for its strict hierarchy, it was rare for the son of a merchant to be treated as a samurai with his knowledge. When Ryoma was studying in Edo, Chojiro left the domain and came to join him.Ryoma introduced him to Sheng as a student and asked him to learn navigation.Later, he followed Ryoma to Nagasaki.In Nagasaki, he used the pseudonym Uesugi Sojiro. Chojiro is rigorous and always has a straight face.Because he is too self-motivated and somewhat selfish, he doesn't get along very well with his comrades. Chojiro brought Inoue Wenta and Ito Shunsuke to the Satsuma Mansion in Nagasaki, arranged for them to hide here, and introduced them to the old man Komatsu who happened to be returning to the domain on the domain ship Kaimon with a sword. The Samoans gave them hospitality. When the wine was in full swing, Chojiro said, "You two, I have a proposal." "Let's listen to it." Inoue Wenduo said. Chojiro leaned forward slightly, and said, "I can handle small matters such as purchasing warships and guns by myself. Therefore, please leave one of the two in Nagasaki, and the other will go to Satsuma with Mr. Komatsu. I don't know what the two of you think?" "To Summer?" It may be very inappropriate for the Changzhou people to go to the Satsuma clan, which is regarded as an enemy, without the permission of the clan. "Please give it a try. As long as you go around Saskatchewan and get to know more Satsuma people, the hatred will naturally melt away and the relationship will naturally become harmonious. For this reason, please go to Satsuma." Chojiro persuasively persuaded.Xiao Song brought a knife and suggested to the two of them: "This is a good strategy. Please go to my fan to have a look." Shunfu suddenly said loudly: "I will stay in Nagasaki, Wenduo will go to Satsuma." Wen Duo groaned inwardly, glaring at Shunfu fiercely.Nagasaki has brothels, Satsuma does not.Shunfu probably wants to enjoy himself alone. The next day, Chojiro and his party went out to purchase warships. "Where should we buy it?" Shunsuke asked Chojiro. "Oura Coast." Chojiro said proudly.There are many foreign business houses on the coast of Oura. "We are going to find a British businessman named Thomas Black Gulaba. I have already discussed this matter with him at the largest trading house in Oura. This morning, our trading company has sent Takamatsu Taro and others, and they are now in the trading house waiting for us." "I've troubled you." Wen Duo said in a disturbed voice. They come to the coast.Wen Duo couldn't help sighing, coming here is like going to the West.Wooden buildings with two or three floors are arranged in a patchwork order, and the port terminal is in the north. When they passed a firm, Chojiro introduced: "This is Hartmann Firm, and we have business with it." In a short while, everyone arrived at the door of the British Gulaba's firm. Taro Takamatsu of the Kameyama Trading Company was already waiting at the door, leading Chojiro and his party inside. Gulaba has been waiting for a long time.He brought Changjiro and others into the private room in the inner room, and the hospitality was very warm. The conversation went fairly well.Munta and Shunsuke once stayed in London briefly, Chojiro could speak a few words of English, and Gulaba could understand Japanese. "I have accepted this deal." Gulaba finally said, "Business is my profession." The rest of the conversation went smoothly.Chojiro speaks eloquently, and Wendo and Shunsuke start negotiating the price with Gulaba. "Guns are five taels each." Gulaba said. Chojiro immediately shouted in English: "No, no, we don't want this cheap thing. You mean the Gabel rifle?" Gabel rifles are fired with flint and steel.After the trigger is pulled, a flame will be wiped out, the gunpowder in the chamber will be ignited, and the bullet will be fired.This kind of gun needs to be loaded with bullets from the muzzle, so it is a waste of time and has a very low hit rate.This type of rifle was mainly used by the Western-style equipment army of the shogunate. "Gabel rifle is five taels a piece, the price is very cheap!" Wen Duo said in a low voice. Chojiro waved his hand, "Now this kind of gun is so cheap all over the world. But if you use the Gabel gun, Choshu may not be able to win against the shogunate." Chojiro knew that Minie rifles had already appeared in Europe and America.This kind of gun can be said to be a revolution in the history of rifles. It is a breech-loading rifle, and the powder cartridge is directly installed on the bullet. After the trigger is pulled, the firing pin hits the detonator, and the detonator explodes to make the bullet fly out.It is very accurate and easy to operate. It takes the Gabel gun to fire one shot, and the Minie rifle can fire ten shots.If the army is equipped with this kind of rifle, one Changzhou soldier is worth ten shogunate soldiers. "Do you have a Minie rifle?" Chojiro asked Gulaba. "Yes. You can order from Shanghai." "What's the price?" "Eighteen two and one," Gulaba replied. as expected.This gun is several times more expensive than the Gabel rifle.However, the so-called you get what you pay for. "Eighteen taels is too expensive. Make it cheaper." Chojiro began to bargain.However, Wen Duo and Shunfu stopped him: "Samurai don't need to bargain when buying things. If it's a fair price, it's a deal." After some discussions, it was finally decided to purchase 4,300 Minie rifles at a total cost of 77,400 taels. Chojiro took advantage of the situation and suggested to Wen Duo and Shunsuke: "Just buy another 3,000 Gabel guns, it's very cheap anyway." "You said just now that the Gabel gun was useless." "No, it depends on how to use it. When fighting, let the vanguard hold the Gabel rifle and shoot at the enemy together. After the enemy is scared out of their wits, they will rush up and use the Mikhai rifle. In short, how to use it is very important." As expected of learning Western artillery from Akiho Takashima, Chojiro knows all these details clearly.As a result, another 3,000 Gabel rifles were bought, and then began to negotiate the purchase of warships. "I have prepared a good warship for everyone in Changzhou. Please allow me to show it to you." After speaking, Gulaba got up and left the table, walking towards the safe placed in the house. "Isn't that warship in Nagasaki Port?" Ito asked in half-baked English. "No, it's mooring in Shanghai now." Gulaba replied in Japanese.Perhaps because he married Japanese geisha Azuru as his wife, his speech is quite fluent. "I understand." Ito nodded seriously.On the side, Inoue Wenduo secretly tugged Ito's sleeve to remind him not to speak English. "This is it." Gulaba spread out the product introduction with photos of warships on the table. "Mr. Uesugi." Inoue Wentao looked back at Kondo Chojiro, and signaled to him with his eyes, which meant that they knew nothing about warships and asked him to come to identify them. This is a wooden steamship with a length of forty-five to six meters, not a very large warship.The ship is registered in the United Kingdom and named Union. An old ship, Chojiro thought.In the past one or two years, the warships of the great powers have basically been replaced by iron ships, and wooden ships have gradually been eliminated.So these ships were taken out for sale after unloading the artillery.The warships of the shogunate navy were also all wooden ships.This kind of warship is enough to fight against the shogunate.Chojiro thought to himself.The shogunate army has approached Osaka.For Changzhou, the most urgent task is to have a decent warship. "How long have you been in the water?" Chojiro asked. "Seven years." Gulaba replied.For a steamship, seven years of age meant old age, and the boilers were easily damaged. "It can be used for another two or three years." Gulaba is quite honest on this point. Inoue Wenta and Ito Shunsuke asked, "Are there any other suitable warships?" Gulaba replied, "It does exist in England." As a result, the return flight takes too long.Changzhou can't wait to get it immediately. "That's it," the two said.Next let's talk about price.In the end, it was negotiated at a price of 39,000 taels after installing the artillery. The price is so cheap.If this ship defeats the shogunate, I am afraid there will never be a more cost-effective deal. The business is finally over, but the real thing is not in Nagasaki, and the rifles and warships are in Shanghai.Gulaba will go to Shanghai to bring the cargo back and hand it over to Changzhou in Nagasaki.Meanwhile, Shunsuke Ito waited alone in Nagasaki.Inoue Wenta will go to Sazhou on a Satsuma steamship. That night, Inoue, Ito and Chojiro lived in the newly built mansion in Gulaba on the hillside. It was late at night, and accompanied by Gulaba, the three of them quietly walked out of the trading house on the coast of Oura.In order not to be suspected by the shogun, Chojiro prepared three lanterns from the Satsuma clan, and let the two Changzhou people also carry them in their hands.Three strong men and an Englishman climbed on a winding and narrow mountain road. The world is so big that no one knows the conspiracy of the four of us.Chojiro's blood boiled with excitement.Once the shogunate army launches an attack on the Changzhou domain, the 4,300 new rifles and 3,000 Gabel rifles just bought will show their power and kill the shogunate army.Once defeated, the shogunate will fall.He had heard Ryoma say this before. Chojiro walked slowly on the ramp, feeling like a dream. "In Kyoto," said Shunsuke Ito, "the Shinsengumi and Mikaigumi roared like mad dogs. Kyoto has become a hell for those who want to fight the war." "Exactly." Chojiro nodded, "Many Tuzhou people also died." Staring at the flickering candles of the lantern, he continued: "But the shogunate is a bunch of idiots. No matter how many people they killed in Kyoto , the situation will eventually change. Nagasaki is about to undergo a big change." "Nagasaki?" "Exactly. Just now, we changed history. For Japan, two, tonight will be an unforgettable night." Chojiro looked up at the starry sky.The galaxy above Mount Inasa is shining brightly. A group of people came to Gulaba Mansion. There is a tall lying rattan pine in front of the mansion.This towering pine tree can be seen from a distance from the market, and the common people call it "Hengsong Yiren Mansion".The house is a one-story Western-style house, only the eaves are covered with Japanese black tiles.It is said that Gulaba designed it himself and invited Japanese craftsmen to build it. The three were taken to the living room.The living room is eight stacks in size and the lights of the port can be seen through the glass windows. Gulaba's wife, Ah He, personally brought the food and wine.The dismissal of the servants should be because they are secret guests.Ah He called Gulaba "the child's father" in Nagasaki dialect, which made people feel a little funny. Kondo Chojiro contributed a lot to the purchase of warship guns in Changzhou.Shunsuke Ito wrote several letters to Katsura Kogoro, and every time he praised Kondo Chojiro's hard work in the letter. "Uesugi-kun is also very troublesome this time." Ryoma, who is in Kyoto, also knows the negotiation situation well from the letter sent by Kameyama Trading Company.The letters were entrusted to the Satsuma Domain steamships traveling in and out of the Seto Inland Sea.Letters sent from Nagasaki to Kyoto will arrive in about eight days if all goes well. The world is really convenient.Ryoma deeply appreciates the benefits brought by machine civilization.Not only letters, but also people going back and forth quickly.Once the pace of such things becomes faster, the situation may mature soon.If the traffic situation is still the same as it was a few years ago, and the dignitaries of the shogunate and various domains still walk slowly on the Tokaido on foot, the lifespan of the shogunate may last for a while. Ryoma told Xixiang what he thought. "The lifespan of the shogunate is no more than two years. In this way, it must be overthrown with a sudden blow, otherwise it will fall into chaos and cause unexpected troubles." Xixiang found Ryoma's advanced thinking very interesting, and said, "Anyway, you are truly a unique person with lofty ideals." On the evening of receiving the third letter from Nagasaki Nagajiro, Ryoma left Kyoto for Fushimi. When he walked into the Terada House of the Dock Inn, Deng Shi and Aaron asked him as soon as they saw him: "How many days will you stay this time?" "It won't be long. Tomorrow, I will take the riverboat on the Yodo River to Osaka, and then to Changzhou." In the middle of the night, after supper and two or three glasses of wine, Ryoma put the glasses on the desk and said, "I'm going to rest. Bring the bedding." Aaron went downstairs for convenience, and Dengshi was the only one left in the room. "Yes." Deng Shi was about to get up, when he suddenly said, "Miss A-Long seems to have found a good man." She looked at Ryoma's face. "Good man, do you mean this?" Ryoma raised a finger. "That's right. It's because you ignored her for too long. After all, that child is so beautiful. Our regular customers here and the men on this street all like it very much." "So you have a good friend?" Ryoma laughed. Dengshi was a little bored.She wanted to know how deep Ryoma's feelings for Aaron were, so she pretended to be so in order to get his attention. "Sakamoto-san, what are your plans?" "It depends on the situation." "What does it mean depending on the situation?" Dengshi tilted his head and asked relentlessly, "That is to say, depending on the development of the situation, it is also possible to marry her as a wife?" "Well, that's what happened." "You didn't intend to marry a wife and start a family. Did you change your original intention now?" "My mind hasn't changed. How can I take my wife around the world?" "Why not?" "That's right!" Ryoma showed a fresh expression. "That might be a good idea." What a brilliant idea, he thought.If you take your wife on the road, you may be able to easily get past the eyes and ears of the officials. "Please be serious!" "I'm serious." After Long Ma finished speaking, he couldn't help asking, "Let's not talk about this for now. Just now you said that Aaron found a good man, what's going on?" "As expected, you still mind." Deng Shi smiled. "Of course I mind. How can a man who doesn't know the rules be a man?" "That's a lie to you." "Lying to me? It's so boring." As he spoke, Ryoma stuck his little finger into his nostril, dug out a lump, and said, "Miss Boss, this is something that was taken from Sakamoto Ryoma." After speaking, he grabbed Tooseki's right hand, want to put on top. "Nasty, dirty." Dengshi wanted to withdraw his hand, but Ryoma held it tightly.Inadvertently, the two of you pushed and pulled each other. At this moment, there was the creaking sound of the lattice door.The two turned their heads to see that Aaron was standing at the door. "What happened?" Aaron's expression was very stiff. Dengshi quickly explained. "I see." Aaron sat down in the corridor, but his stiff expression did not ease.Seeing Aaron like this, Deng Shi's natural stubborn temper flared up again. "How can you do this?" Instead, she scolded Aaron, "Miss Aaron, if you can't accept Mr. Sakamoto's strange habits, you can't be the wife of this weird person. Don't think he is so old, but sometimes Ridiculous as a child." "But……" "That's right, I was wrong just now. No matter how you look at it, it looks like they are entangled." Dengshi turned to Ryoma and said: "Let's talk about what happened just now." "What's up?" "When will I marry Miss Aaron?" "Boss, I think there is something wrong with you." Ryoma turned over the wine glass on the table and poured himself some wine. "Why do you say that?" “像我这种男人，你问了也是白费力气。” “可是，娶不娶她，不是要由坂本先生您来决定吗？” "I'm unreliable." “一点儿不错。”登势终于忍不住笑了出来，阿龙也笑了，“您这个人真是让人伤脑筋。说话从没个准。” “正是正是。”龙马口中的酒喷了出来，他自己也感到好笑。“就算我被迫娶了媳妇，可是连个住处也没有。” “您不是说过在长崎龟山租了房子吗？” “可是，那所房子是兄弟们的宿舍。那三间屋子里胡乱挤着十几个无所事事的大男人。” “这可不行啊！”登势有些恍惚地看着龙马，“照这个样子下去，我得一直替你照顾阿龙了。当然，她是我的养女，我自然希望她一直留在我身边。可是，姑娘家还有年龄问题。” “说得太对了。” “您说的这是什么话！”登势真想照着龙马的脸狠狠掐上一把。 “登势，我正在做一件惊天动地的大事。不知最终能否成功。如果成功了，幕府便会倒台；如果失败了，日本将会亡国。” “不就是让长州和萨州联手之事吗？” “啊？”这下轮到龙马大吃一惊了。“你怎么会知道？”他仰起脸，瞪大了眼。“我可是寺田屋的登势。您认为我这个老板娘竟然迟钝到连这种事都觉察不出来吗？” 或许真是她的直觉，龙马心想。萨长土三州的勤王志士，常来寺田屋投宿。大家多多少少都受到过老板娘的照顾。文久二年的寺田屋事变中，那场血腥的战斗结束后，登势曾手拿念珠，默默地擦拭血迹。她是这样一个女人，对时势敏感，倒也自然。 “在这场大戏中，只有坂本先生您扮演的角色最如鱼得水，是个名角儿。不管别人怎么说，我登势绝对敢拍着胸脯这样讲。” “如果此事成功了，”龙马将杯中酒一饮而尽，道，“我就娶阿龙。” 若是失败了，别说娶媳妇，在幕府军如怒涛般的攻势下，龙马恐怕只能落得个惨死荒野的下场了。 “如果萨长联盟能够成功……”登势不禁向前挪了挪膝盖，龙马用手势阻止了她。“啊呀，小点声！会被邻居听到。” “不会听见的。这里是二楼，而且左邻右舍早就已经入睡了。” “屋檐下有幕府的密探在转悠。”龙马吓唬登势。 登势不由得一惊，站起身来，将格子门拉开一道小缝，俯视街道良久。北边远远传来犬吠声。 “没事。”登势重新坐好，再次确认道，“如果萨长联盟成功，您就会娶阿龙姑娘吗？” “就这样定下来。到时我会带着阿龙小姐去长崎。” “我想去长崎学弹月琴。” 阿龙说了句风马牛不相及的话。登势皱起了眉，不过龙马就喜欢阿龙这种出其不意的个性，她也没办法。 “您说的萨长联盟是在什么时候？”阿龙问道。 “这怎么行呢？”登势小声道，“这种话可不能随随便便挂在嘴上。如果被人听到了，奉行所的官爷就会找上门来，阿龙姑娘的细脖子可就会立刻被拧断。” “我才不害怕什么奉行所的官爷呢。”阿龙身上有一种旁人无法匹敌的胆识。“我也不知道何时能成啊。事不宜迟，你也到附近的神社拜一拜吧，祈求上天保佑我顺利促成这番大业。” “我不信神佛。” “哦，对。” 这种事情对龙马来说其实无所谓。 “在长崎，我听说了一些关于月琴的事。据说丸山有一位名叫阿元的艺伎琴技相当了得。听说是个美人儿呢。” “您见过她？”阿龙的眼睛开始发蓝。她只要一生气，不知怎的，眼睛就会发蓝。 “还没见过。人们都说她人漂亮，月琴弹得又好。我就想，那岂不是和阿龙很像，所以打算下次去长崎的时候，赶紧去睡一觉看看。” “啊？”阿龙和登势顿时惊呆了。“坂本先生，万万使不得啊！” “你是说不能去听月琴？” “不，是睡觉！” “我的意思是，把阿元叫到座位前，我躺着听她弹琴。你们俩想到哪里去了。” “还不是因为您说那种奇怪的话……”登势感觉有些无趣，但仍然叮嘱道，“总之咱们说好了。萨长联手和阿龙姑娘的终身关系重大。” 龙马离了伏见，便去了神户，从兵库乘坐萨摩藩蒸汽船胡蝶号，两日后到达马关港。他一上岸便直奔白石府，并立刻打发藤兵卫去通知山口的桂小五郎。翌日，桂急匆匆地找来。 “桂君，我在京都见到西乡了。”龙马说。 桂一听到这个名字，立刻沉下脸来。看来他对西乡厌恶愈甚。龙马见状，道：“我劝你还是尽快拋弃对萨摩的陈旧看法。你这副愁眉苦脸的样子，谁看了都头疼。” “这是我的天性。我这个人天生就装不了。”桂说道。 龙马忙说：“西乡对长州也抱有好意。上次他没能来马关的理由，我已经仔细问清楚了。西乡这个人，值得你信赖。” “我大体明白了。多亏了你的龟山商社和萨摩藩，才能买到军舰和那些枪弹。这样长州应该能和幕府对抗一阵子了。” “很好。”龙马点点头，“这也已经是萨摩藩极大的好意了。这一点你应该明白吧？” “明白。”桂承认。 龙马拍了拍桂的肩膀，道：“萨摩藩表示了好意，还请长州舖达纖之情。” “你信中提到的大米一事，我已经都安排好了。” “哦？”龙马大悦，“万分感激。看到长州的大米，萨摩人定会感谢你们。如此一来，萨长也亲近一些。” 萨摩之所以要从藩内调集大军驻守京城，原因之一便是要借助这股军事力量，向幕府和朝廷施压，反对再次征讨长州。所以，区区藩兵军粮，长州承担下来也是理所当然。 “坂本君，你真是个奇人。”桂叹道，“你像在变魔术。大米、军舰、枪械，这些都是你魔术里的小道具。它们在眼前飞来飞去的工夫，长州对于萨摩的感情已经变了。” “就让我再表演一阵子魔术吧。我会上演一出诚心诚意的大戏法。” "please!" “长州能提供多少军粮？” “萨摩想要多少，我们就给多少。” “价钱呢？” 龙马这么一问，桂十分干脆地答道：“无偿奉上。”见桂如此胆识过人，行事干脆利落，龙马不禁拍手叫好：“桂君，你定能夺取天下！” 长崎的龟山商社以推翻幕府为己任，致力海上运输、贸易和建设海军，而与此相对地，京都的新选组却主要是仗剑进行恐怖镇压，竭力维护摇摇欲坠的幕府权威。这可谓一大奇观。 在龟山商社中，近藤长次郎风头颇健。此人几乎是独断专行，有事从不与其他同志商讨，所以，他自然而然逐渐脱离了同伴。 这段日子里，虽然龙马行踪不定，时而在马关，时而在大坂，有时又在京都，可陆奥阳之助和高松太郎等人还是将此间消息通过书信一一汇报给龙马。其中就有“先生不在，长次郎独揽大权，同志们不知如何是好”、“长次郎野心勃勃”、“长次郎招致同志们憎恨。此人绝非能共事之人”等话。 龙马暗暗称是。长次郎虽有才能，却不能与人通力合作。这是他的悲哀——贫苦出身，不顾一切出人头地，才走到今日，一心大展奇才，无睱顾及同僚感受。虽说如此，长次郎这毛头小子，如今也已经能够从容面对萨长二藩，干一番大事业了。如此一想，龙马顿时又觉得长次郎那一脸的冷峻聪敏甚是惹人怜爱。 “大家要同他好好相处。”龙马这个总不在商社的“社长”只能这样说，“萨长联盟一事顺利完成后，我便即刻回去，照看社内事务。在这之前，希望诸位以事业为重，协助有能耐之人完成大业。” 然而，长次郎却不满足于只是处理贸易业务，他的欲望已然膨胀，心计日甚，并开始逐步淡化龙马的影响力。对于长州藩士井上闻多和伊藤俊辅，也加以利用。长次郎向井上闻多提议去萨摩正是出于此种打算。此事本身是出于“为萨长交好”这样的大义名分，是个绝好的主意，但长次郎却提出一同前往。他和小松带刀一同乘坐萨藩新近买入的蒸汽轮船海门号，头也不回地踏上了去往萨摩的航程。商社的事全都拋给了同志。眼看风光体面之事总是被长次郎一人抢了去，其他人心里自然不痛快。 长次郎到萨摩后，带着井上闻多会见了藩内的要人，然后返回长崎。此间他内心隐藏着从未对同志提起过的野心。 长次郎结束了萨摩之行，回到长崎时，英国军舰联合号已经从上海开来，停泊在长崎港内。枪械、弹药也已送抵。问题是，如何在幕府和佐幕诸藩的严密监控下瞒天过海，将这些军需物资运往长州。 龙马早已从马关发出指令。“在桅杆上挂上萨摩藩旗。” 联合号名义上乃是萨摩的，连名字都按照萨摩的风格取为樱岛号。 还有一项至关重要。那就是这艘船的驾驶、管理和修理事宜全部由龟山商社承担。 关于这件事，龙马已经在马关与桂小五郎等长州人商量妥当，得到了他们的允许。也就是说，船的实际所有者是长州，用的是萨摩的名义，而由土州人来管理。一艘船集合了萨长土三方力量。 根据龙马的这番指令，身在长崎的长次郎开始劝说从长州过来的井上闻多、伊藤俊辅二人。 “二位意下如何？”他问道。 二人并无异议，笑着说：“真是个绝妙的主意！” 如果不是借助萨州的名义，船便无法到手；如果没有土州人的龟山商社在其间奔走，船同样也无法得到。“此乃三全其美！”长次郎一副扬扬自得的神情。如此一来，龟山商社也免费获得了一艘军舰。这可算是一出奇妙的戏法。 至于枪械弹药，则由其时已奔赴大坂的龙马，拜托萨摩藩下令让胡蝶号、海门号两艘军舰开往长崎运送。Everything went very well. 不久，胡蝶号、海门号两艘军舰驶进长崎，从古拉巴处釆购的枪械弹药悉数装船。 龟山商社的人登上新购的军舰，三艘船桅杆上全都飘扬着萨摩船旗，大船劈开波浪，从长崎港出发了。幕府最终没有看破这三艘船隐藏的机关，许是因为幕府的全部心思都放在京都变幻莫测的政局上了。 到了马关，长次郎和井上、伊藤下了船，三艘军舰则前往长州藩军港三田尻。 长次郎原本期待龙马能在马关，可惜此时龙马已经为萨长联手之事奔赴大坂。在藩厅，长次郎受到异常恳切的款待。毕竟对长州藩来说他是功臣——他一手买下了与幕府交战时用的兵器与军舰。 “主公明日将亲自向您表达谢意。”长州官员道。 龙马从大坂沿淀川逆流而上，来到伏见寺田屋。此时，长次郎从长州山口寄来的快信已先一步送到了登势手上。 龙马打开信，只见上面写着长次郎得到藩主毛利父子接见，并拜领了后藤佑乘制作的刀剑。在土佐顶多被当侍从对待的近藤长次郎，能够得到毛利父子的接见已经十分了得，藩主竟然还亲自向他表示感谢，这该是何等荣耀之事！ 此事我得告诉乙女姐。龙马的心情顿时爽快起来。 不仅如此，长次郎在信中还说，长州藩主釆纳了他的建言，向全藩下令：“即日起，对于通过马关海峡之萨摩船，凡其提出要求，自当供给薪炭、水、粮食。”以前，长州藩曾宣称“马关将是白薯之徒的葬身之地”，对于那些从海峡经过的萨摩船，长州炮台更是曾以炮火相向。对比长州藩以往的行为，这已经是天大的变化了。 时机终于快要成熟了，萨长联手已不再是痴人说梦，且现在也得到了可以支配的军舰。龙马越想越高兴，不由笑容满面。意外的笑容让登势大感诧异。 正在此时，阿龙抱着一把模样奇怪的琴走了进来。这把琴并不是阿龙喜欢的月琴，但也不是一把普通的琴，它只有一根琴弦。这是她几天前在伏见一家叫船冈屋的旧货店里买来的。老板告诉她，这叫一弦琴。老板说：“这种琴只有土佐才有。因为只有一根琴弦，所以一般人不会弹。” 阿龙听他提到龙马的故乡土佐，便买了下来。 “啊呀，这不是一弦琴吗？”龙马果然很高兴。 “您会弹吗？” “在我的家乡，这是女人弹的东西。不过小时候我跟乙女姐姐学过，所以会一点。” 听龙马这么二说，阿龙和登势异口同声地央求他弹一曲。龙马趁兴拿过琴，边弹边唱起来。他唱了首叫《海原》的古曲。 阿龙和登势都被土佐当地乐器那不可思议的音色深深吸引了。任谁也无法想象，一根琴弦竟然能奏出如此丰富的音符。而且，乐曲本身也很耐人寻味。《海原》是一首颇为古老的曲子，土佐大海的明快和黑潮的轰鸣仅用一根弦就表现得淋漓尽致，如果闭上眼睛，甚至能够嗅到空气中飘来海风的味道。 “再唱一首吧！”阿龙央求道。 “再唱一首？”龙马闭上眼睛想了一会儿，“那就弹一首《渔火》吧。”他说，《渔火》唱的并非土佐，而是伏见对面宇治一带的景色。更准确地说，它表达的是佛法教义，告诉人们，人世间烦恼无尽，犹如昏暗长夜漫漫无期，唯有佛法明灯能够拯救众生。 “好好听着。”龙马左手按弦，右手用力拨弦，开始弹奏。 一曲罢，登势垂下眼沉默了片刻。不一会儿，她抬起头来说：“有趣。”登势对这首曲子有着自己的理解。她认为无明长梦便是今日之时势，而点亮渔火、呼唤黎明到来的人正是龙马。 琴声传到了楼下，传到了街巷。码头柳树下的阴影里，有一个男子正在仔细聆听。 这声音还真是奇特啊。男子抬头看着二楼纸窗上映出的人影，心中暗忖。最近有人告说寺田屋很可疑，幕府的见回组便在这一带设了密探，日夜监视。这个男子便是其中一员。 这究竟是何声音？男子心想。恰巧有一位商人模样的老人从此经过，也停下脚步听上了。男子拍拍老人的肩膀，问道：“那是琴声吗？” 老人手中的灯笼上写着船冈屋字样。他正是将一弦琴卖给阿龙的旧货店老板。 “是一弦琴。”老人的神情看起来有些费解。那个姑娘这么快就会弹了吗？“那种琴，只有土佐人才会弹。” “什么？土佐人？”密探的眼睛顿时变得贼亮，转眼便消失在沉沉夜色之中。 这个见回组的密探叫瘊子三七。三七总是在伏见的宝来桥附近转悠，负责监视从地方驶来京都一带的船上有无形迹可疑的浪人。此时他立刻返回伏见奉行所，奔进见回组公署，向上司禀报寺田屋可疑。公署里平素都有五六名队士待命。 “三七，你发现什么了？”一个男子持剑走了出来，是牧野东藏。此人使的是心形刀流，在江户伊庭的弟子中颇有些名气。 见回组与新选组的宗旨并无二致，不过其队士原则上不收浪人，而是由直接隶属于幕府的武士家的次子及以下人等组成。当然，加入见回组是志愿的。因此没有几个人前来应征，实际上进入队伍的人来历可谓五花八门。 “寺田屋好像有土州人。”瘊子三七道。 “那人叫什么名字？” “还不太清楚，不过在下似乎听到女人们一直在叫坂本先生。您要去搜查吗？” 三七这番话虽是无心之言，可是牧野东藏听过之后瞬时脸色大变。土州的坂本先生，不就是坂本龙马吗？牧野早就听说此人乃天下之豪杰，而且还是北辰一刀流的高手，在江户时，他豪迈敏捷的剑法曾称霸三大武馆。如果三七说的那个人真是坂本龙马，眼下这五六个人绝不是他的对手。 “三七，再去探来！”牧野顿感无力，一屁股瘫坐下来，松开了手中的剑。 在寺田屋，龙马弹得有些倦了，将琴扔到一旁，道：“我要歇着了。” 这时，寝待藤兵卫走上楼来。 “爷，客栈周围有人鬼鬼祟祟地转来转去。” “是盗贼吗？” “似乎是密探。爷，怎么办？” "what to do?" “小的认为悄悄溜出客栈才是明智之举。” “藤兵卫，这不太可能。” "why?" “今晚我太困了，要让我再燈上草鞋走路，万万不能。” 说罢，龙马用长刀撑地站起来，走到另一间屋子，一头钻进了被窝。他十分疲倦，阿龙啊密探啊，这些事情统统拋到了脑后，沉沉睡去。 藤兵卫整夜都站在楼下的土间望风。 一夜无事。 第二天一早，龙马草草吃完早饭，出了寺田屋，直奔京都锦小路的萨摩藩府。 龙马造访京都的萨摩藩府，为的是让西乡和桂分别代表萨摩和长州在京都秘密会面。 “这一次没问题吧？”龙马向西乡确认道。言外之意是，再莫要食言。 西乡颔首道：“千真万确！”可是龙马仍然感到不安。他不得不承认，自己很难信任变幻莫测的萨摩人。龙马道：“桂此行可说是拿性命作赌。想必你也知道京都和大坂对于长州人来说是何等危险之所。桂此次进京已经抱定了必死的决心。这全都是为了见你一人。所以，西乡君千万不能有任何差池。” “保证万无一失。”西乡低下头，深深施了一礼。 此情此景，龙马的脸眼看涨得通红。“这我就放心了。”他的眼里涌出了泪水。过后，他仍旧补充道：“如果萨摩藩违反约定，桂小五郎便再也回不了长州，恐怕他会当场了断性命。不过，我不会让桂一个人死。如若萨长联盟功亏一篑，那么此后便再无必要为国事奔走。到时，我会先杀了你，再杀了桂，然后切腹自尽。” 西乡被龙马的语气震慑，沉默了半晌，抬起头。“三个人都要死啊！”他笑了起来。“坂本、桂和本人，如果我们三人都死了，日本恐怕就要坠入无尽的黑暗之中了。我也要打起精神，竭尽全力说服藩公，免得被你杀了。” 西乡所说的藩公，指的是在萨摩藩掌握实权的藩主生父岛津久光。久光是个有魄力的人物，却也是个极端的保守派，而且极力排斥他藩，总想所有事都由萨州一手包办。 “桂最晚也会在十二月下旬来京。在那前后请务必保证你人在京都。” “我保证。”西乡微微低头。