When it came to the fact that the Maori family was unwilling to raise the banner to submit to the Han Dynasty, these high-level civil and military officials of the Han Dynasty were quite dissatisfied in their hearts. Pen @ fun @ pavilion wWw. ｂｉｑUｇE。 ｉｎｆｏ

They knew that the Maori family was waiting to see the situation, wanting to gain the biggest bargaining chips for themselves, and try to squeeze more concessions and benefits from their side.

However, because the war in Kyushu involved most of everyone's energy, and the damage in various places took some time to recover, these civil and military officials chose to hold back for the time being and settle the matter on Kyushu Island first.

The Mori family also held the southernmost part of the island of Honshu, and Kyushu had to pass through them if it wanted to go north.

If they cooperated, the Han army could easily set foot on the island of Honshu and attack Kyoto northward, and they could add a fighting army as Austrian reinforcements; If the Maori family chose not to cooperate, then the Han army would have to face one more enemy, and more Han troops would have to be injected into Zhou Pu's army.

Therefore, the Maori family is also an important goal for them to strive for.

But the Maori family did this, but they were all disgusted.

"Yidi is mercenary, not trustworthy, only serving strength, it seems that we were too tolerant of them before, so that they actually had luck and wanted to bargain with us." Yan Guang was still a little indignant, "If this allows them to succeed, won't we become a joke!" Now that no one can contain us anymore, it's time to use strength to intimidate them! ”

"What Senator Yan said is very true, it is not okay not to intimidate such people." Zhou Pu also agreed, and then asked Zhao Song, "Zhao Shuai, I will go to Kokura Castle to contact the people of the Maori family, and ask Zhao Shuai to order the navy's warships to go to the open sea and give them a little color!" As long as there is the threat of naval artillery, the lower officials will definitely be able to subdue them and let them be used by the Han! ”

"Then everything will be left to Lord Zhou." Zhao Song immediately agreed to Zhou Pu's request.

After the three of them decided on the strategy, Zhou Pu rushed from Nagasaki to Kokura Castle, which was across the sea from the Choshu Domain. During the siege of the Great Han Dynasty, the important officials of the Ogura Domain killed the lord of the domain and surrendered to Kaejo, so the castle did not suffer any damage, and as soon as Zhou Pu came here, he lived in the castle tower where the original lord lived.

He didn't come alone, but gathered all the feudal lords on Kyushu Island who had joined the Great Han, not only to give the Mori family a disadvantage, but also to let these feudal lords understand the power of the Great Han.

In the castle tower, he sat on the main seat, and on either side knelt the lords of Kyushu. Because they had seen the military might of the Han Dynasty many times, they were now more and more respectful to Zhou Pu, just like when they met the general in Edo.

When they got together, Zhou Pu was no longer polite and went straight to the topic.

"I have summoned you here today because I have a few important things to inform you." He looked coldly at these low-brow feudal lords, and said to himself. "First, the issue of the disposal of Kyushu Island after ......"

Because this matter is related to the life of the family, all the feudal lords listened with 100,000 spirits, for fear of missing a word.

"Earlier, I came to Kyushu Island as an envoy of the Great Han Dynasty, and I got in touch with Shimazu Tadatsune, the lord of the Satsuma Domain, and we had a good conversation and reached an agreement. Later, when our Han army came to fight, the lord of the Shimazu clan kept his word and raised troops against the shogunate, and gave us great help. Zhou Pu said unhurriedly, "Therefore, we must abide by the previous agreement and hand over the governance of the entire island of Kyushu to the Shimazu family after the war as Shimazu's territory." Except for Nagasaki Castle, which the Great Han was going to occupy, and the territory I gave to those temples, Kyushu Island will be the Shimazu family from now on. ”

In the past, in order to let these feudal lords serve him before and after the saddle, Zhou Pu had kept his agreement with the Shimazu family secret, but now he felt that the time was ripe, so he informed these feudal lords.

Although his tone was very flat, his words inevitably caused a commotion among the feudal lords. Many people couldn't stop themselves, turned their heads, and looked at Shimazu Tadashi next to him in surprise, but Shimazu Tadashi still knelt in place, as if the old monk was in a meditation, without saying a word.

If the entire island of Kyushu is given to the Shimazu family, then ...... So where do we still have a foothold? Except for Tachibana Soshige, who already knew about it, almost everyone thought so. Fortunately, now they are all afraid of the big man, so no one dares to question Zhou Pu.

"I'm sure you're all nervous right now, and you don't know what to do with yourself, right?" Zhou Pu sneered, "But don't forget, the Shimazu family is the first daimyo to cooperate with us and raise the banner of rebellion, and we are the most important friends of the Han, and there is no heavy reward for having such a friend, how can you be worthy of the Shimazu family's contribution?" In short, now that the Han court has decided on the plan, this matter is irreparable, and I am just informing you today. ”

Seeing Zhou Pu so categorical, some people's faces turned gray, and they were obviously very depressed.

"However, this is definitely not to say that you will not have a place in the future." After suppressing them, Zhou Pu slowed down his attitude again, "Our big man is the most important friend, and you are also our friend now, as long as you perform well in the future, can't we reward you again?" The territory of Kyushu Island is gone, but Japan is still very large, and there are still large territories on Honshu and Shikoku Islands, isn't it enough for the big Han to reward you? ”

Then, he reached out and pointed at the veteran Tachibana Soshige, who had been silent. "After a deep conversation with me, the lord of the Tachibana clan chose to join us, and he made many meritorious deeds as my right-hand man...... Therefore, in order to thank the feudal lord, we have decided that after that, as long as we defeat the shogunate, we will give the Tachibana feudal lord a territory of 500,000 koku on Honshu Island! If he can still make meritorious deeds in the future, I can also ask the imperial court to continue to seal it as appropriate. ”

Half a million? After hearing this number, the feudal lords, who were already in a heavy mood, suddenly became active. Tachibana Somao took refuge in the Han Dynasty and performed well, and he was rewarded with 500,000 yuan, which is a full five times the territory. They couldn't help but be envious and jealous of Shimazu Tadashi and Tachibana Soshige, and deeply hated that they didn't get the opportunity to serve the Great Han first.

"However, you don't have to worry, there will be times in the future when you will make meritorious achievements." Seeing that the atmosphere in the hall began to warm up, Zhou Pu continued to guide, "The Great Han is about to march to Honshu Island, we will march all the way to Kyoto, and let the imperial court of your country be restored!" And in this battle, you all have the opportunity to make meritorious contributions, as long as you make meritorious contributions, we will be rewarded, and three times five times the territory is not a problem at all! ”

His words caused a commotion again, although everyone was not surprised that Dahan continued to march north, but when they heard Zhou Pu personally confirm that he was about to march, they were still a little apprehensive, but this kind of apprehension was nothing in front of Zhou Pu's promise.

"Your previous territories did not fall from the sky, they all relied on the hard work of your fathers and ancestors, and the foundation that was built little by little was exchanged for meritorious service! Your fathers were able to get an inheritance, but can't you? Our Han is the most trustworthy, as long as you fight, we will never treat you badly! Zhou Pu continued to agitate, "Besides, this is fighting for the social welfare of your country, and it can be enjoyed for a hundred generations!" ”

Zhou Pu has made it very clear that now Kyushu Island is irretrievable to the Shimazu family, either he will lose the territory of the Shimazu family and even civilians, or he will have to follow him to fight Kyoto, as long as he can make meritorious deeds, he will be rewarded.

In the situation he deliberately created, these feudal lords had no way to retreat, and they really had to follow him all the way to the end. Of course, 'Baishi Liufang' or something, that is, they are just gilded.

"Okay, I've told you what to say, and now it's up to you how you behave." Zhou Pu didn't give them a chance to negotiate again, and directly waved his hand to confirm, "In the previous war, our generals of the Han Dynasty were very dissatisfied with your performance, so for a while, your vassal army must stay here for training and obey the unified command of the Han. ”

For the Han army, the attack on Kyoto was regarded as a partial division, and the main force was of course the Kyushu domain army, but the strength of the army of each domain was weak, although there were many people, but the combat effectiveness was not satisfactory, so Zhou Pu, under the suggestion of Zhao Song, decided to continue the previous practice, break up the armies of each domain and then reorganize them, and turn them into an army under unified command.

With Zhou Pu and his senators as well as the Han troops as the core, and with Tachibana Muneshige and his subordinates in command, it only takes a short period of training to exert greater combat effectiveness.

However, with the exception of the Shimazu family's army, as the largest feudal domain that now exists on Kyushu Island, the Shimazu family's army is not small, and its combat effectiveness is also good, at the request of Shimazu Tadashi, Zhou Pu decided to continue the previous system, let the Shimazu family command the army by themselves, and only accept his orders. Of course, there is also the selfishness of the Shimazu family, who want to maintain a certain degree of independence.

After giving the order, Zhou Pu asked the feudal lords to leave, leaving only Tachibana Muneshige and Shimazu Tadashi.

"My lord, the army is most taboo to go out of multiple doors, even if it is reckless and straightforward, it is better than being gentle and indecisive, so when the army goes north, you must not let these feudal lords hinder you." After they left, Tachibana Soshige immediately suggested to Zhou Pu, "These feudal lords have no experience in war, and staying in the army is just a burden for everyone, so it is better to leave them in Kyushu when they enter the army." ”

With his trust, Tachibana Muneshige was appointed as the deputy general of the Kitakami army to assist him in commanding these feudal armies, but he feared that the words of other feudal lords would interfere with his orders and affect the overall situation.

"Taking them north, the original intention was just to strengthen the momentum and reflect the kingly way of the Han Dynasty, and the general did not expect them to perform anything, and I would not let them interfere with the command." Zhou Pu shook his head, "Don't worry, they are just a spectator with the army, and we are the ones who are really responsible for commanding, if anyone dares to disobey your orders, you can execute them on the spot to set an example." ”

"Thank you, sir!" Tachibana Soshige immediately received the order. For him, as long as he can unify the command of the feudal army, it doesn't matter if these feudal lords follow him or not, Zhou Pu gave him the power to execute before the battle, and no one dares to disobey him. Moreover, he will also incorporate his subordinates into this army as officers, and under the deterrence of the Han army, it is enough to drive this army.

After pacifying Tachibana Soshige, Zhou Pu looked at Shimazu Tadashi again.

"Domain lord, there will be work in the future, please continue to forge ahead after your domain, and you must not slack off."

"Please rest assured, the Shogunate will do its best to fight the shogunate to the death." Shimazu Tadashi immediately responded, "Tokugawa Iemitsu killed Inuko Mitsuhisa, this revenge will not be avenged, and I will not be a man!" ”

As the war progressed, Tokugawa Iemitsu executed Shimazu Tadashi's eldest son in Edo in order to punish the Shimazu family, but when Shimazu Tadatsune raised the anti-flag, he expected Tokugawa Iemitsu to do this, so he was not so sad as it seemed, he is now following the Han north, just to cooperate with the Han to defeat the shogunate and protect his newly acquired territory, and he does not plan to fight to the death.

"As long as there are two assistants, I will be relieved......" Zhou Pu sighed, "Everyone, please rest assured, as long as the war goes well, we can go to Kyoto to celebrate, and at that time, I will definitely say that there will be no shortage of official positions and territories." ”

"Is there still no news from the imperial court?" Speaking of this, Shimazu Tadashi thought of the imperial court, "If there is no news all the time, I'm afraid there will be trouble." ”

"Your country's court now has news." Zhou Pu raised his face, "They have already cooperated with the Maori family, and they only sent a message two days ago, saying that they have announced the fall of the world." ”

"Maori?" Shimazu Tadashi and Tachibana Soshige were both shocked at the same time.

Especially Shimazu Tadashi, who has been enemies of the Maori family for generations, where would they like to see the imperial court fall into the hands of the Maori family. "My lord, the Maori family is cunning and cunning, don't let the court and the Maori family collude! Otherwise, it will be difficult for both of them to control it at that time! ”

"Of course I know about it." Zhou Pu smiled and nodded, "The Maori family is the head of the rat, I have to teach them a lesson." ”

He then ordered the Mori Motonobu, the messenger of the Mori family, to be brought over.

Because he had been friends with the Han before, Maori Yuanxin was sent by the head of the family Maori Xiu to contact the Han this time, because the current situation is very favorable to the Maori family, so he is quite ambitious.

"Meet your lord!" As soon as he saw Zhou Pu, he knelt down and was very respectful.

He was speculating in his heart about what conditions the Han would use to continue to win over the Maori family under the current situation.

"The envoy really looks like a spring breeze today......" Zhou Pu didn't let him raise his head, just sneered, and his attitude was quite unkind, "Now that the Maori family is being co-opted by the three parties at the same time, it must be a spring breeze, right?" ”

He changed his usual amiable style, and his face was very cold, which made Maori Yuanxin startled, and his original pride suddenly disappeared. "My lord, the Evil Domain has no such intention! The feud between the clan and the shogunate is as deep as the sea, and all that has always been on my mind is how to get revenge and how to deal with them! ”

"Since the hatred with the shogunate is as deep as the sea, why haven't they raised troops yet? Do you really think that we big men are easy to deceive? Zhou Pu was still unceremonious, "We befriended your domain, originally out of **** benevolence, in order to be considerate of your noble domain, not to ask for your domain, but your domain has always been ignorant of the general situation, and now we still have to beg both ends, do you really think that we can only beg your domain?" ”

Maori Motoshin only felt cold all over, and he didn't dare to put forward the previous conditions anymore, so he just knelt on the ground. "The Evil Domain has no such intention."

"Well, since you don't mean that, don't hesitate any longer." Zhou Pu gave an order mercilessly, "The conditions we gave before are the final conditions, and it is best if you can accept it, and there is no way if you can't accept it!" Let me tell you, our warships have begun to assemble in the open sea of your domain, if your domain refuses to surrender within five days, raise the banner, and welcome our army to land, our Han army will regard your domain as an enemy, and then don't blame our Han for being ruthless! ”

The time of the "five-day ......" was not lenient, and Mori Motoshin only felt a little dizzy, he didn't expect this envoy to suddenly be so tough.

"Yes, it's only five days, and it's from today." A sarcastic smile appeared on Zhou Pu's face, "I'm in Kokura City now, across the sea from your domain, five days, it must be enough for your clan to consider, right?" If the noble domain insists on going its own way and ignoring our good intentions, then it will be convenient for me to command a large army to besiege the noble domain at Ogura Castle! ”

"My lord! Don't be! Maori Yuanxin couldn't take care of it anymore, and told Zhou Pu again and again, "Please rest assured, the disadvantage has made up its mind, and there will be no repetition, and please wait until you go back to your life." ”

"Then you should go back quickly, don't waste your precious time." Zhou Pu waved his hand and motioned for him to leave, "Now I have nothing to say to your fan, if your domain doesn't surrender after five days, then don't blame the artillery for being eyeless, go!" ”

Under his scolding, Mori Motoshin left Ogura Castle in a gloomy manner, and he never lost his previous spirit, and seeing him so lost and depressed, not only Zhou Pu, but even Shimazu Tadashi and Tachibana Soshige were also very happy.

"Your Excellency did the right thing! For repeated people like the Maori family, they must be tough, and they must be forced to have no way out, but to take refuge in the big man, and never dare to put forward any other conditions. Shimazu Tadashi couldn't help but praise Zhou Pu, "I dare to predict that within three days, the Maori family will definitely surrender!" ”

"I hope it's just as the lord said." In a happy mood, Zhou Pu couldn't help but laugh again.