Saigo Congdao shouted for a while, "Long live His Majesty the Emperor!" Hooray! The courage was gone, and I don't know how long later, when Saigo, who was kneeling on the ground, slowly raised his head from the excitement and dizziness, the room was already empty. Pen, fun, and www.biquge.info

Emperor Meiji had already left, and the military attache standing at the door was looking at him with some amusement.

At this time, Saigo's personal existence had been melted, and all reason, thought, morality, and humanity had been melted into the dazzling light that emanated from Emperor Meiji. At this time, Saigo had only one purpose left to survive, and that was to work hard to fulfill the important tasks given to him by the emperor, and to fight for the emperor and not for himself, and for some other more sufficient reason, until he conquered Asia and the whole world!

When Saigo returned to his apartment with excitement and gratitude, he was surprised to find that his important helper, former U.S. consul in Xiamen, China, and retired Brigadier General Li Xiande was already waiting there.

"Dear Charles (Li Xiande's full name is Charles?) William? Charles William Le Gendre, Chinese translated as Li Xiande)! My friend! Keeping you waiting! You must have brought me good news, huh? ”

The 44-year-old Li Xiande is slender and long, probably because he is always on the go, his face looks very thin, he has two mustaches, and his hair is thinning a lot.

Seeing that Li Xian got it, Saigo Congdao was very happy. Today he received the emperor's imperial gift, and Li Xiande rushed back from the United States today, today is a lucky day for him, and it is his wishful thinking that Li Xiande must bring him good news this time.

Hearing Saigo's words, Li Xiande's face unconsciously showed a trace of embarrassment.

Contrary to what Saigo Congdao thought, what he came back this time and reported to Saigo Congdao was by no means good news.

Originally from France, he graduated from the University of Paris and moved to the United States with his wife, where he became a U.S. citizen. After the outbreak of the American Civil War, he joined the 51st Infantry Regiment in New York, was seriously wounded in 1862, was promoted to lieutenant colonel after recovering from injury, commanded a regiment in the 9th Army, participated in the Battle of Vicksburg under Grant, and was later wounded again in the Battle of Mangyuan, experienced the last raid of the Confederate Army while recuperating in the hospital, and was a brigadier general when he retired after the war.

In 1866, Li Xian was appointed consul of the United States in Xiamen. In February 1867, the U.S. merchant ship "Wanderer" ran aground and sank on Hongtou Island off the coast of eastern Taiwan, and its survivors were killed by the aborigines of the Langqiao area, triggering negotiations between the United States and the Qing government, as well as the "Wanderer" incident in which the U.S. military went to attack the aboriginal tribes on its own. Due to the reluctance of Taiwanese officials to intervene, Li Xiande's negotiations with Qing officials were fruitless, so on October 10, 1869, he entered Langqiao on his own to negotiate with the aborigines, agreeing that the aborigines would no longer harm the Western shipwrecks who were drifting here. Because of this experience and being able to speak Taiwanese native language, Li Xiande is regarded as a Taiwanese fanjietong.

In 1872, he resigned as consul in Xiamen and sailed through Yokohama, Japan, on his way back to the United States, where he met with the Japanese Foreign Secretary Vice-Shima Tanetomi on his way back to the United States. Li Xian's experience in handling the "Wanderer" incident pointed out that China's politics and religion are inferior to that of "Fandi," and Japan can use the "theory that Fandi has no owner" as the basis for sending troops to Taiwan. Li Xiande provided the Japanese side with maps and photographs of Taiwan, and said that it would be easy to occupy Taiwan with only 2,000 troops. Tokushima Tanetomi was very excited when he heard this, because Japan was trying to expand overseas, and because of the huge social problems caused by the unemployment of a large number of shishi (former samurai) after the Meiji Restoration, he actively sought to divert internal affairs through foreign wars. In 1871, the Ryukyu Miyakoshima drifters were killed by the aborigines in Langqiao, and the foreign expansion faction of the Japanese military, led by Yama Prefecture Aritomo, originally planned to send troops to Taiwan under the pretext of protecting the people and questioning the students. The Japanese side immediately promised that if they could occupy Taiwan, they could make him the governor of Taiwan.

After he was hired by the Japanese Government as a "quasi-second-class officer," he submitted dozens of memoranda and opinions to the Japanese Government, instigating the Japanese Government to accept the proposition that Taiwan is terra nullius, and actively planning a detailed war and colonization plan for Japan to send troops to Taiwan.

As a matter of fact, before Emperor Meiji decided to send troops to Taiwan, the top brass of the Japanese Army, headed by Aritomo Yamagu, began to make careful preparations for this invasion in accordance with Li Xiande's plan. In addition to helping the Japanese formulate plans, Lee also helped hire ships and foreign fighters, and returned to the United States many times to purchase large quantities of arms and supplies for the Japanese side. It can be said that from the planning to the implementation of Japan's "conquest of Taiwan" operation, Li Xiande actively participated in it and played a great role.

The main purpose of Li Xiande's enthusiasm for Japan's attack on Taiwan was that after Japan occupied Taiwan, the Americans could monopolize the huge benefits of trade, and even have actual colonial rights!

On this occasion, while returning to the United States to help procure arms, Li Xiande actively lobbied the US Government to support and participate in Japan's expedition to Taiwan. Li Xiande was full of confidence in this, believing that the US government would definitely support his actions. However, what he never expected was that the US Government clearly stated that it would not encourage Japan to invade Taiwan, and although Li Xiande and several other retired US diplomats strongly encouraged the US Government to advocate the importance of sending troops to Taiwan, the US Government was unmoved. In the end, in desperation, Li Xiande could only return to Japan in disgrace.

"Unfortunately, my friend, I tried my best, but the U.S. government still doesn't agree with my proposal." Seeing that Xixiang Congdao was on the rise, Li Xiande didn't want to disappoint him, so he chose a euphemism.

"It looks like the U.S. government lacks visionary leaders." To Li Xiande's surprise, although Saigo bluntly expressed his dissatisfaction with the U.S. government in Congdao's words, the excitement on his face did not subside, "It doesn't matter! Without the support of the U.S. government! We'll do it ourselves! ”

Hearing Saigo's resolute words, Li Xiande's originally depressed mood rose again.

"That's right! We'll do it ourselves! Li Xiande said to Saigo, "I have purchased another batch of arms this time, although the US government prohibits the sale of military supplies to Japan, but before the US government issued the relevant order, I have managed to get this batch of arms to be shipped, and now I am on my way to Japan, and I will soon arrive in Nagasaki!" ”

"Great!" Saigo nodded his head in appreciation of Li Xiande's dedication, but in addition to being happy, he also realized what the consequences of the US government's neutral move would be, "It's just that after the operation begins, we can't get the support of the American military, and we can't buy arms from the United States anymore." ”

"yes, it's a pity." Li Xiande had already thought of a remedy before coming to see Xixiang Congdao, and said it appropriately at this time: "However, we still have backup." ”

"What do you say? Where does the backup come from? As soon as Saigo heard this, he immediately asked.

"You may not know it, but now an American cruiser is anchored in Xiamen. This warship and the sailors on it can be our back-up! ”

"Really?"

"Yes, that's the American cruiser 'Monaken'! This is a powerful battleship with a displacement of 4,000 tons, with a 6.4-inch cannon, and the captain, Lieutenant Commander Masson, is an old friend of mine, I told him about our plans, he consulted the officers and men on the ship, and was willing to be our backup! ”

Hearing that there was a U.S. warship with a displacement larger than the Japanese Navy's largest ironclad ship, the "Ryuchampu," was willing to become a backup for the Japanese army, Saigo's face became even more excited.

"Thank you! Your Excellency the future Governor of Taiwan! Saigo Congdao complimented Li Xian in a timely manner.

Li Xiande also became excited, because of the excitement, fine beads of sweat oozed from his bare forehead, which was not covered by hair.

At this time, he seemed to have seen himself as the governor of Taiwan, and the warm scene of being greeted by the American people's hero after returning to his hometown.

Fuzhou, Shipyard Cemetery.

"Brother Shoushan, yesterday's 'Fujing' and 'Jianjing' ships have successfully conducted sea trials and artillery exercises, and the younger brother has come to Brother Shoushan to comfort him." Lin Yizhe said as he lit the paper money in his hand with fire and put it into the brazier.

"These two ships are armored clippers, and they are far superior to the ships built before them in terms of protection and artillery power. The shipyard career is now thriving, and it has become the pillar of coastal defense, and Brother Shoushan knows it underground, so he can laugh at Jiuquan......" Lin Yizhe said, and now Zhou Kaixi died without looking at him, his heart was sad, and his voice became choked unconsciously.

Just yesterday, after outfitting and outfitting, the two armored cruisers "Fujing" and "Jianjing" went to the open sea for the first time for sea trials and conducted artillery test firing, achieving complete success.

In order not to let the Japanese side know, the construction of the "Fujing" and "Jianjing" warships was carried out in extreme secrecy. When the second ship was completed and launched, in order to keep it secret, the launching ceremony was held in secret, and strict secrecy measures were also taken during outfitting, so that until now, the second ship has successfully tried its sailing and guns, and has entered the service of the ship's master and sailor, and the outside world does not know that the Chinese Navy has two more epoch-making main warships!

Even today, Lin Yizhe came to burn incense in front of Zhou Kaixiling, but he only came alone, and there was no one else around!

After Lin Yizhe finished speaking, he silently burned the paper money in his hand, and soon, the stacks of paper money turned into ashes in the brazier.

"Now I am afraid that there will be a big crisis soon, I hope that Brother Shoushan is in the spirit of the sky, bless my shipmaster and sailor to retreat from the strong enemy, and keep the people safe!" Lin Yizhe secretly prayed in his heart.

As if Zhou Kaixi in the dark was answering his prayers, a gust of cold wind blew, rolling up the fallen leaves on the ground, and hovered around Lin Yizhe.

After Lin Yizhe finished worshipping, he turned his head and saw Ri Yige hurriedly walking towards this side.

Ri Yige came to Lin Yizhe's side, he first faced Zhou Kaixi's tombstone, bowed respectfully, and then turned around and handed a letter to Lin Yizhe.

"Lin, this is the latest news from the French Navy and the Colonial Department, the Japanese army is secretly assembling in the port of Nagasaki, preparing to attack Taiwan." Riyige said with a solemn face.

Lin Yizhe quietly took the letter and opened it. The content of the letter was not long, except for telling him that Japan was about to send troops to Taiwan, that is, about the progress of negotiations between France and China on the Vietnamese issue (in fact, the Vietnamese issue had already been settled by Hong Jun in France, but for the sake of face, the French minister in Beijing, Gerfoley, was still arguing with Prime Minister Yamen on this matter).

Lin Yizhe quickly read the letter. After receiving the letter, Lin Yizhe took out a silver ticket and handed it to Riyige.

"Thank you, my friend."

Riyige glanced at the amount on the silver ticket and couldn't help but hold his breath.

"No, dear Lin, the reward you gave me is already too much."

"Take it, my dear friend, for your success in confusing the Japanese for this time, and for telling me such important news in a timely manner, and this news is worth all this money." Lin Yizhe smiled, "Of course, money can't be used to measure the friendship between us, can it?" ”

"It is my pleasure to serve you, my friend." Riyige said gratefully and took the silver ticket with both hands.

"What's the news on the American side?" Lin Yizhe asked again.

"I've been to the U.S. Consulate to inquire about it, and I've heard that the U.S. government is prepared to remain neutral on this matter." "But, about a week ago, an American cruiser appeared in Xiamen and has been anchored there ever since. I suspect that it may have something to do with the fact that the Japanese were preparing to attack Taiwan. ”

Hearing the news of the appearance of the American cruiser in Xiamen, Lin Yizhe's brows tightened suddenly.

"I need more detailed information about the U.S. warship, including its tonnage, equipment and speed, as well as the crew." Lin Yizhe said, "I still need to trouble you in this matter, my friend. ”

"Rest assured, I will report back to you in the shortest possible time." Riyige said.

After Ri Yige left, Lin Yizhe sprinkled and swept in front of Zhou Kaixi's tomb for a while, and then left and went to the dock.

Lin Yizhe stood in front of the pier, looking at the sea in the distance, with a hint of eager anticipation on his face.

Today is the day when the "Weiyuan" warship, which went to Taiwan to pick up Aya and return to Fuzhou, will return to sail.

After a while, a faint column of smoke appeared on the channel in the distance.

The "Weiyuan" ship returned home as scheduled.

Soon, the figure of the "Weiyuan" ship became clear little by little, and Lin Yizhe couldn't help but raise his binoculars and look at the "Weiyuan" ship.

He was looking forward to seeing the long-awaited figure of Aya standing on the flybridge.

But what disappointed him was that Eya's figure did not appear on the flybridge, and now standing on the flybridge is Mei Hong and Zhang Cheng, the new pipe band of the "Weiyuan" ship (the original pipe band with Bei Jinquan was transferred by Lin Yizhe to the newly built "Fujing" ship pipe band).

And he found that Mei Hong and Zhang Cheng's faces seemed to have anxious looks.

An ominous feeling rose from his heart, and Lin Yizhe put down the binoculars, his heart secretly anxious.

"My lord, the ship has arrived?" Xu Run's voice sounded behind Lin Yizhe, and Lin Yizhe turned around and saw Xu Runzheng walking over with Chen Wan and Li Sizhu.

Xu Run suddenly noticed the change in the expression on Lin Yizhe's face, and he couldn't help but feel a pang in his heart.

"Kunyu, what's wrong with you?" Chen Wan also noticed Lin Yizhe's strange appearance and immediately asked.

Lin Yizhe didn't want her to worry about herself, so he smiled and didn't speak, then turned around again, raised the binoculars, and continued to look at the "Weiyuan" ship.

The "Weiyuan" ship gradually approached, and Chen Wan also noticed that there was no forehead on the flybridge of the "Weiyuan" ship, and her heart also hung up.

The "Weiyuan" ship docked on the dock, lowered the trestle, and Mei Hong and Zhang Cheng hurriedly ran down.

Mei Hong had already seen the figure of Lin Yizhe and his party, he flew down the trestle, came to Lin Yizhe, and without saying a word, he knelt down on his knees and kowtowed hard.

"The subordinates are not doing well! Please punish you! Mei Hong said bitterly. Here, Zhang Cheng also knelt down busily.

"Far mountains! What are you doing here!? Seeing Mei Hong kowtowing and bleeding, Lin Yizhe's heart sank, and he hurriedly stepped forward and grabbed Mei Hong's arm, trying to help him up, but Mei Hong still couldn't kneel.

"Subordinate...... I'm sorry adults! ”

"What the hell is going on? Far mountains? Lin Yizhe asked in surprise.

"Little lady...... She won't come back! Originally, she had already asked her subordinates to take her on the boat, but unexpectedly, she jumped into the sea and swam back......"

Why is that? Why won't she come back? Lin Yizhe heard that Eya didn't have an accident, but he just refused to come back, so he was a little relieved and asked again.

"My lord, it was the Lion's Head Society's fierce attack on the Peony Society, all the men in the society went to war, leaving only the old and weak women and children to guard, the little lady did not want to leave her father and brother, and wanted to live and die with the clan, so she insisted on refusing to come back, but Lord Tomei and the lowly position brought these children back......" Zhang Cheng said, turning his head and pointing to the deck of the "Weiyuan" ship.

Lin Yizhe looked in the direction he pointed, and just happened to see one after another Paiwan children coming out of the cabin and coming to the deck under the leadership of the sailors.

There were about twenty children, both boys and girls, all dressed in the traditional costumes of the Paiwan tribe, and they were looking at the shore with disberunt.

Lin Yizhe noticed that several older girls were holding a baby in their arms, and their hearts sank again.

He is familiar with the customs of the Paiwan tribe, of course, he understands what it means for the people of the Peony Society to send these children to him!

The Peony Society must have encountered a terrible danger to make Alugu father and son make such a decision!

"Yuanshan, Zhang Guandao, you get up first." Lin Yizhe said, took a deep breath, and tried to calm himself down.