After Okubo finished saluting, Emperor Meiji did not come out of the curtain, but asked in a gentle and slightly hoarse voice, "Okubo, is there something wrong?" ”

"Your Majesty has asked many times whether it is feasible to discuss the matter of going to Taiwan, and today the minister came to meet him just to express his opinion on this matter. Pen? Interesting? Pavilion wWw. ｂiquge。 ｉｎfo”

"Okubo, please speak, I'm listening." Emperor Meiji said mildly but majesticly.

Seeing the emperor's performance in front of him, Okubo Ritsu's heart was very satisfied, although he still had a serious expression on his face.

In his eyes, the once cowardly and timid young master has grown up.

Meiji Emperor Muhito was the only surviving son of Emperor Komei Tongren, who was raised in the palace from an early age and served by female officials. Because the history of close relatives of the Japanese imperial family is as long as thousands of years, so most of the descendants of the imperial family are weak, and the same is true of Muhito, who was very timid when he was a child, and in 1864, during the "Forbidden Gate Change", the Choshu feudal soldiers bombarded the imperial palace in Kyoto, and the 12-year-old Muhito was frightened by the sound of cannons, so that the courtiers were worried that if a similar incident happened in the future, such a weak and timid monarch would be scared to death.

After the successful overthrow, Okubo Ritsu and Saigo Takamori began to carry out a major reform of the imperial court system, eliminating many female officials around the monarch and educating the young emperor in martial arts, in an effort to train him to become a young monarch who was open-minded, respectful of tradition, strong and strong in martial arts, and needed by the reformers. Judging from the performance of the current emperor, the results of the education of the Restorationists are quite obvious.

"Your Majesty, the minister thinks that now is the best time to occupy Taiwan's ownerless land." Okubo said.

"Why did Aiqing say it was the best time?" Emperor Meiji asked, "I remember that Aiqing was resolutely opposed to the 'conquest of Korea' and the 'conquest of Taiwan'. ”

"The reason why the minister was resolutely opposed to foreign conquest at that time was because the reforms of the empire had just begun and had not yet formed a foundation. And the external environment did not allow it at that time. Okubo replied, "Now, the situation has changed. The most favorable time for the conquest of Taiwan has appeared. ”

Emperor Meiji didn't ask again, but quietly waited for Okubo Ritsu's next words.

Okubo Ritsu coughed lightly, lightened his voice, and continued: "According to the investigation of the imperial intelligence officers, the Qing country's defense in Taiwan is very empty, and the Qing government has not regarded the land of Shengban as its own territory. When the Ministry of Foreign Affairs negotiated with the Qing government, the Qing government had already recognized that the land had no owners, and that if our country wanted to punish the crimes committed by Shengfan, it was free to move. ”

Hearing this, Emperor Meiji finally showed a look of emotion.

"How could such a thing happen? The Qing government actually agreed to have the imperial army enter Taiwan to punish Shengfan? ”

"That's right, Your Majesty, when Liu Yuanjun asked Mao Changxi, the prime minister of the Qing Dynasty, to punish Shengfan, he gave the answer that 'ask whether you are guilty or not, let your country handle it', that is, he recognized the empire's action of sending troops to fight against Shengfan." Okubo replied.

"Can his words represent the Qing government?" Emperor Meiji still seemed a little incredulous, and asked again.

"He is one of the important ministers of the Qing Prime Minister Yamen, and his words can fully represent the Qing government." Okubo said.

"What about the external environment? Will the entry of imperial troops into Taiwan cause interference from Western powers? Emperor Meiji asked.

"Now the external environment is also very favorable for the actions of the Empire." "Both the United Kingdom and the United States support our actions. At this time, the Qing State was already at odds with France because of the Vietnam issue, and the current Qing State has fallen into isolation. ”

Emperor Meiji's face flushed slightly, and his emotions obviously became a little excited, but he suddenly remembered what Ito Hirobumi had said just now, and instantly regained his composure.

"Britain and Mi will support the actions of the Empire?" Emperor Meiji asked.

The British believed that since the Qing had agreed to the Empire's punishment of Shengfan, the Empire could act freely. The United States has always supported the empire's development of Taiwan, and a lot of information about Taiwan has been provided by the United States. "And this time, the United States is likely to send troops to participate." ”

Once again, Emperor Meiji fell silent.

"Why didn't Your Majesty convene a royal council to listen to the opinions of more ministers and generals?" Seeing that Emperor Meiji was still hesitant, Okubo immediately proposed.

"I believe that the possible reaction of the Qing State cannot be ignored." Emperor Meiji was still very worried, and he felt that Okubo Ritsu seemed to be deliberately exaggerating, but Okubo Ritsu was very reasonable, so he could not find sufficient reasons to refute it.

"Is your majesty unwilling to fully trust the judgment of your subordinates?" As one of the "Three Heroes of the Restoration", Okubo Ritsu was a contributor to the ascension of the young lord to the throne, so he was not afraid of the emperor's anger, "Now the internal and external situation is extremely favorable to the empire, and if Your Majesty hesitates, you will lose the opportunity." ”

"I don't distrust Aiqing, please don't worry about it." Emperor Meiji was a little angry at Okubo Ritsu's persecution of himself, but he didn't show it on his face. The ups and downs he has experienced since he ascended the throne have taught him to be indistinguishable from joy and anger.

In Japan, imperial power is supreme, so no one can change the will of the godlike emperor, not even important ministers like Okubo Ritsu. If Okubo had shown some proper reverence for imperial power at this time, Emperor Meiji might have considered taking his advice, but unfortunately the Secretary of the Interior did not notice the boundaries in this regard, and so Emperor Meiji gradually developed a strong rebellious and impulse in his heart, that is, he, the supreme Emperor of Japan, must personally make a major decision that is independent and not controlled by anyone.

“…… Has Your Majesty already decided to take action against Taiwan? ”

"I want to listen to the opinions of the ministers, the generals. The opinion of the army also needs to be taken into account. ”

"What is Your Majesty's opinion?"

“…… I believe that if action is taken against Taiwan, if it can be brought to an end soon, it should prevent the sending of additional troops to Taiwan, pursue a policy of non-expansion of war, and avoid provoking the British and American powers and the Qing ......"

Hearing the emperor's answer, Okubo Ritsu's face turned a little pale.

He felt that the pent-up anger in his heart was slowly rising, and the emperor's remarks were simply disgraceful. Isn't today's Japanese Empire fought through bloody battles? At the beginning of the Shogunate Movement, the Shogunate was far more powerful than the Restorationists, and if everyone was also timid and indecisive at that time, the Japanese Empire would still be a piece of fat under the tiger's mouth of the Western powers!

If you don't want to take risks with such a good opportunity, what can you do in the future?

“…… According to reliable intelligence, the French were secretly trying to make a move against Vietnam. The ministers believed that the war between France and Qing was inevitable, and by that time ......"

"It is too early to say whether there will be a war between France and Qing." Emperor Meiji interrupted Okubo Ritsu's words in a rare way, stood up and said, "...... Okubo, please step down for now, and I'll announce my decision tomorrow after the Imperial Council. ”

Emperor Meiji got up as he spoke, walked out of the tent, and came to Okubo Ritsu, who was stunned for a moment, and suddenly understood that the emperor was waiting for him to bow and leave. He hurriedly bowed to the Emperor, and just as he was bowing, Emperor Meiji turned around and left on his own.

Although Emperor Meiji's actions made Okubo Toshitsu feel unhappy, he still felt a sense of relief in his heart, and the idea that the emperor was weak had been swept away.

Okubo walked out of the main hall, and at this time the wind had stopped, and he looked at the land in the garden, and somehow, there was a trace of uneasiness in his heart.

The next day, the Imperial Council.

In the main hall of the Imperial Palace, on the right side stand high-ranking government officials headed by Okubo Toshitsu, Shigenobu Okuma, and Hirobumi Ito. On the other side were representatives of the military, led by the Secretary of the Army, the Governor of the Guards, the Chief of Staff of the Army Ministry, and the Senate of Yama Prefecture Aritomo.

"His Majesty the Emperor has arrived!" The military attache shouted.

Hearing the shouting, the Japanese military and political dignitaries standing on both sides bowed in unison.

Emperor Meiji did not go to see his ministers, but walked straight to his throne and sat down.

Today's Meiji Emperor is wearing a black military uniform and a large medal on his chest, which may be because the military uniform gives him an unusual sense of majesty, because he looks much more vigorous today than usual.

After Emperor Meiji sat down, he raised his hand: "All the ministers are flat." ”

The ministers ended their bowing and entered their seats. The military attache was about to announce the start of the Imperial Council, but unexpectedly, Emperor Meiji himself opened his mouth first.

"As for whether to send troops to Taiwan to punish students, please speak freely."

What Emperor Meiji didn't expect was that his first sentence was cold.

No one responded to the voice.

After a long time, Emperor Meiji saw that there was still no one to speak, so he said, "Now that three years have passed since the killing of our people, can we send troops to punish them?" Can the land of Taiwan be owned by the empire? Will the imperial army take this action and encounter interference from the Qing and Western powers? Ladies and gentlemen, please answer my questions. ”

Listening to the emperor's somewhat harsh questioning, Yama Prefecture Youtomo glanced at Shigenobu Okuma on the other side, who frowned and lowered his head, acting as if he had nothing to do with himself.

Yama Prefecture Youtomo looked at Okubo again, this guy didn't lower his head, but turned his head, staring at the cherry tree outside the window, and I don't know if this guy can stare at the flowers like this.

"Your Majesty, the minister thinks that it is the right time to send troops to Taiwan now!" Youpeng in Shanxian had to come out and speak on his own. After all, this matter is equivalent to his handiwork, although the emperor has not yet agreed to this military action, but the relevant preparations have been carried out without the knowledge of the emperor and the government, and now only the emperor signed the order.

This time the Imperial Meeting, in fact, was equivalent to him saying that Okubo Ritsu was convened, but he didn't expect that at the beginning of the meeting, Okubo Ritsu chose to be silent.

"Taiwan's killing of our citizens must be punished! Moreover, the empire should also take responsibility for their management and education! Shan County Youpeng Zhenzhen said, "It is the bounden duty of the ministers to make them subjects under the rule of His Majesty!" ”

"However, Taiwan is the territory of the Qing State, and it is impossible for the Qing army not to take action if our army rashly enters Taiwan to fight for life! Once the imperial army clashed with the Qing army, it would lead to a terrible incident! The Duke of Xiyuan Temple stood up and asked, "Qing Guo's reaction, has the county monarch considered it?" ”

"Of course I thought about it! Taiwan's Shengfan does not recognize the jurisdiction of the Qing government over them at all! Moreover, the Qing State's military strength in Taiwan is very empty, and the Qing State will not dare and have no reason to fight with the imperial army! Shan County Youpeng said loudly.

"How did Shan Shanjun know that the Qing State's military strength in Taiwan was very empty? Have you investigated it yourself? Seeing that Youpeng in Shan County said so casually, the public of Xiyuan Temple couldn't help but feel on fire and asked loudly.

"According to the army's secret investigation, the Qing army's garrison in Taiwan has less than 8,000 people in the army and about 2,000 in the navy, and they are not permanent troops, but rotate with the army stationed in Fujian, these troops are poorly equipped, lack loyalty and adequate training, and the discipline of the soldiers is also very corrupt, compared with the loyal and brave soldiers who swear allegiance to His Majesty the Emperor and are armed with new guns, the combat effectiveness of these Qing troops is negligible!"

Hearing Yamaguchi Aritomo boast about the combat effectiveness of the new Japanese army he created, the brows of Saionji Konobo, Okuma Shigenobu, Ito Hirobumi, and Yanagihara Maemitsu all furrowed.

Yamaguchi Aritomo was born in June 1838 in Shimokawashimasho, Hagijo, Choshu, to a commoner family, and his father was a warehouse assistant who was lower than a foot soldier. There is a legend that when Yama Prefecture was a child, he was forced to apologize by lying on his stomach in the mud when he was walking in the heavy rain with a high-ranking sergeant and accidentally splashing muddy water on the skirt of the sergeant's kimono. At the age of 20, he entered Matsushita Village Juku, and at the age of 25, he became a military supervisor of the Odd Soldier Team and led the army to participate in the Shogunate War. In 1868, when the Meiji Restoration began in Japan, Masajiro Omura, who was then Daisuke of the Ministry of War, wanted to establish a new army, but was opposed by the nobles, and was seriously wounded and died in 1869. His successor, Maehara Kassei who had been in the military department for less than a year, resigned. In 1871, Yama Prefecture served as Daisuke of the Ministry of War (renamed Daisuke of the Army in 1872 after the reform of the official system). After that, he rose to prominence and was promoted to lieutenant general and governor of the guards, becoming a key figure in the creation of Japan's new army.

In 1872, Yamashiro Ya, a merchant of the Ministry of the Army, was suspected of receiving illegal financing from the Ministry of War from a friend of the Ministry of Army, and Yamashiro was forced to resign. Two months later, however, Yama Prefecture was reinstated as Secretary of Army, because the government of the Sacho clan at the time believed that without Yama Prefecture Youtomo, Japan's efforts to create a new army would have slowed down. The government first established an unprecedented conscription system. Based on the experience of Aritomo Yamaguchi in the Odd Soldier Brigade and his study of the conscription systems of European countries, the Japanese government issued a conscription edict in 1872. The edict and the edict issued at the same time criticized the old samurai class for "resisting the appearance and sitting on the table", pointing out that breaking the privileges of samurai status would achieve equality between the upper and lower levels and the unity of human rights, which was the basis for the unity of soldiers and peasants. This view represents the common sentiment of the Restoration heroes who came from the lower ranks of the samurai.

There is a friend in Shan County who has a very elegant and beautiful name called "Hanxue", but the things he has done since he was a child have nothing to do with "elegant and beautiful". He has been practicing martial arts since he was a child, and he is very good at swordsmanship, judo, and marksmanship. As a young man, Yamayama Aritomo heroically participated in the war against the shogunate and made great contributions to the Meiji government. After the Meiji Restoration, the biggest "new revision" in Japanese history, Yama Prefecture Aritomo was sent by the Meiji government to Europe and the United States to inspect the military. After returning to Japan, Yamayama gradually took control of the Meiji government's military power, and began to devote all his energy and ability to reforming the military system, and he wanted to build the Japanese army into a strong force like European and American countries.

Yamaguchi carefully pondered the military system he had seen in Europe and the United States, and believed that the Japanese Army should learn from France, which gave birth to Napoleon, the first great man in land warfare, and that the Japanese Navy should learn from Britain, which gave birth to Nelson, the first great man in naval warfare.

At that time, most of the soldiers in Japan were feudal soldiers composed of professional samurai, and these guys had never seen much of the world, they were quite backward, and they thought they were self-righteous, and Yamaguchi Aritomo, who had been stimulated when he was a child, wanted to abolish them for a long time. At the suggestion of Aritomo Yamagu, the Meiji government enacted a "conscription order" to recruit soldiers from among the common people of the country, and soldiers were finally no longer limited to samurai as before. As soon as the modern military system was implemented, the strength of the Japanese army immediately increased. In order to make the newly built army "honest and obedient," Youpeng in Yamayama Prefecture has engaged in such things as the "Seven Articles of the "Reading of the Law" for Soldiers", "Instructions for Soldiers", and "Edicts for Soldiers", stipulating that the most important thing for soldiers is to be loyal to the emperor, that fighting for the emperor is the greatest honor, and that dying for the emperor is the greatest happiness. Yama Prefecture worked hard all day to instill the spirit of bushido in the Japanese soldiers, and in this way, under his leadership, the Japanese army became the swords of the emperor, and they could do anything for the sake of the "emperor".

Youpeng in Shanxian is so obsessed with and devoted to military reform, and he also has a soft spot for aggression and expansion, and does his best. After he became secretary of the army, he kept clamoring for the most important thing to "assert the country's strength," that is, Japan had to seize the time to engage in aggression.