The next day, early in the morning.

Alexander Buchanan House, second-floor guest room.

The sunlight shined through the lace curtains and fell on Lu Shishi's slightly trembling eyelids.

He woke up slowly, reached out and touched the head of the bed,

There was a long rope hanging down, attached to the brass bell outside the house, and with a gentle shake, a forty-year-old aunt maid walked in.

She stood near the doorway,

"Jazz?"

Lu Shi waved his hand,

"You help me bring my clothes, and I don't have to worry about anything else."

The maid gave him a curious look.

In the past, the guests in the mansion have never been as big as Lu Shi.

Even the Meiji Emperor of Japan was like this, and when he had afternoon tea with the ambassador, he always accompanied 10,000 careful, and when he finished talking, he quickly slipped away, and he did not dare to touch coffee and snacks at all.

Lu Shi was the opposite, eating well and sleeping soundly, and went straight to dawn.

The maid helped with the clothes.

Lu Shi took a look and found that it was a kimono,

"Tsk......"

He couldn't help but be speechless,

"Something else."

Maid: "Huh? He apologized quickly.

It's not her to blame,

In order to integrate into the local social circle, Buchanan often wears Japanese clothes.

Three portraits of him in the embassy office,

One is Queen Victoria;

the second was Edward VII;

The third is a seated statue of himself wearing a kimono.

Lu Shi changed his clothes and went downstairs under the guidance of the maid.

Unexpectedly, Buchanan didn't go to the embassy, dressed casually, sitting at the dining table, reading the newspaper and sipping black tea.

Hearing footsteps, he turned his head,

"Sir Lu, you're finally awake!"

As he spoke, he glanced at the door,

"Someone is waiting for you outside. It's Mr. Toyama from yesterday. ”

Lu Shi's eyes shrank,

He pretended not to hear, sat down beside Buchanan, picked up a loaf of bread, and carefully spread peanut butter.

Buchanan was somewhat surprised,

The other party's performance is inevitably too calm, right?

Lu Shi ate a piece of bread,

"Sir Buchanan, didn't you go to work today?"

Buchanan first waved the maid away,

"I won't call you, don't bother."

Then, turning to Lu Shi, he said with a smile: "Sir Lu is not familiar with the place in Japan, I am really not at ease if I let you move on your own." If something really goes wrong, His Majesty the King may personally command the fleet to come and bombard Tokyo. ”

Lu Shi laughed.

Of course, what the other party said was a joke,

In these days, the great powers have always started to shoot arrows and then draw targets when they launch wars, and as long as they are willing to find them, there will always be an excuse for war.

If Britain really wants to fight Japan, it will do it a long time ago,

Why wait until you fold a foreign KBE?

Lu Shi said: "Sir Buchanan, you can't help but think too highly of me. ”

Buchanan spreads hands,

"It is true that it is not enough to start a war. But I can assure you that if something like that happens, Japan will definitely not feel good. ”

Lu Shixiao,

"Don't curse me."

Buchanan then turned the topic around and said in a low voice, "Sir Lu, do you know much about that Mr. Toushan outside?" To be honest, a big part of what I'm worried about you is due to that man. ”

Lu Shi didn't speak,

He folded his hands unconsciously, wrapped the dough around the spatula and rubbed it up and down, then put the bread into his mouth.

This action shows that he is thinking.

Time passes,

“……”

“……”

“……”

There was silence in the restaurant,

The huge pendulum of the table clock makes a slight sound, which is very abrupt.

Buchanan couldn't wait,

"Sir Lu, have you ever heard of Toyotaro Koyama?"

Lu Shi nodded,

"Of course."

Toyotaro Koyama was born in a Japanese local gate lord clan, and his father was a member of parliament.

After graduating from university, he became an activist and joined the Japanese right-wing group "Shintokan".

In 1894, the Qing Dynasty was defeated and sent Li Hongzhang to Japan to make peace.

In order to continue the war, and coupled with his dissatisfaction with the Chinese, Toyotaro Koyama assassinated Li Hongzhang, who was traveling in a sedan chair, and shot him in the left cheek, but did not injure Li Hongzhang's life.

Li Hongzhang was injured, and the international uproar.

This incident is rumored to have been done at the instigation of Toushanman.

Buchanan said that Toyotaro Koyama was alluding to it in his words.

He pouted,

"I can't guess what the Japanese think."

He looked in the direction of the gate again, as if he was looking at the head of the mountain outside the door,

"When I was sent to this country, I always had trouble sleeping. The atmosphere here is even more unbearable than the battlefield in Afghanistan. At the very least, I was able to sleep well on the marching bed, and the only thing I had to worry about was beriberi. ”

Lu Shi has a deeper understanding of Britain in the early 20th century.

Last time in the United States,

President William McKinley was assassinated, and Wardhouse knew the whole process clearly.

Probably even knew more than the elder Roosevelt.

This time in Japan,

Buchanan knew a similar secret, and he spoke it well.

It can be seen how strong the British intelligence forces were in these years.

Wardhouse's exact words at the time were: "Nor are the British ministers merely eats and does not work. ”

That's a good point.

Buchanan said, "As for Mr. Toyama, it's better for you to be careful. I advise you to avoid contact as much as possible; If you have to make contact, you must not promise, refuse, or be responsible to avoid being resented. ”

Lu Shi was speechless,

“……”

Isn't the other party talking about the scumbag's "three noes" principle?

Can it still be used like this?

He bowed his head and pondered,

The most troublesome thing about people like Toushan is that it is difficult for physical threats and physical annihilation to be effective.

Right-wingers are full of extreme ideas,

Perhaps, the more people threaten others, the more pleasure they have.

The more pleasure I have, the more I want to assassinate.

As for the destruction of the flesh......

Isn't this an excuse to create assassinations for more "people with lofty ideals"?

When the time comes, I'm afraid I can only guard against thieves for a thousand days.

Lu Shi muttered: "I just came to Japan to communicate, but the result was good, and I found myself trouble." ”

He looked at Buchanan,

"Is there still a Uchida Ryohei in the Black Dragon Society?"

Buchanan was stunned for a long time,

Subsequently, he couldn't help but admire,

The name of a man, the shadow of a tree,

"Sir Lu, the rumors from the outside world are really true. You are indeed a genius, and you also understand politics, no wonder you were able to write Yes! Prime Minister". ”

Ryohei Uchida is the other leader of the Black Dragon Society,

In the years that followed, it was he who replaced Toyama Man.

Of course, the external statement is very official:

Tou Shanman took the initiative to quit after training the successor of the Black Dragon Society, no longer cared about the affairs of the rivers and lakes, and began to practice spirituality, write, and carry out charitable relief work at the same time.

Retreat in this way, there must still be influence,

But don't think about assassination or anything.

Lu Shi spreads his hands,

"As long as it doesn't affect your strategy in Japan, that's fine."

"Strategy?"

Buchanan laughed,

"Thanks to "The Nature of Japanese Civilization", the current strategy of Great Britain in Japan is, no, yes, square, strategy. And, even if there is a strategy? I'm sure nothing will happen to you, or you'll have to go back to London and sit on the cold bench. ”

This is the British diplomat!

Highlight a non-stick pan,

It's still a familiar recipe, it's still a familiar taste.

But in any case, Buchanan said it so heartily that it was tantamount to treating Lu Shi as his own.

Lu Shi asked, "Then what are you going to do?" ”

Buchanan spread his hands and said, "Just send a message to Mr. Uchida." Or, let him come to the embassy for a seat and a cup of afternoon tea. ”

In a nutshell, four words:

Overt conspiracy.

The conspiracy is like this, high-end ingredients often only need the most modest cooking methods,

On the contrary, in those film and television dramas, the conspiracy is interlocking at every turn, which is very outrageous.

The more steps there are, the more likely it is to go wrong.

Buchanan continued: "I'm British. ”

Land Hours: ???

"What does this have to do with the British?"

Buchanan said: "You can say that a knight is beautiful in armor, you can say that he is strong in mounts, you can say that he is strong, but if you have to say that he is good at intrigues, then there is a problem. ”

God's special "knight" ......

Lu Shi didn't bother to complain about the other party.

He closed his eyes again and pondered, thinking of Ryohei Uchida,

This person is not a good thing either.

After the Russo-Japanese War, the Black Dragon Society and the Korean pro-Japanese organization got on the line,

As a result, under the guidance of Uchida Ryohei, the Ichijinkai began to agitate for "the people's will, Japan and North Korea are united", and Japan agreed to this demand "aggrieved and helpless", and officially completed the annexation in 1910.

After this series of "contributions", Uchida Ryohei's fame also surpassed that of Toyama Man,

Tou Shanman was forced to "live in seclusion" and became honorary chairman.

It feels pretty cool to let them each other in advance.

Lu Shixiao,

"Sir Buchanan, don't you think we're the worst of the worst?"

Buchanan: "Huh? "I don't understand.

Lu Shi explained: "Mr. Toushan hasn't done anything, let's do it for others, isn't this evil?" ”

Buchanan laughed again,

"Okay, Sir Lu, you just pretend that we didn't have the conversation just now, and call me ......."

Before he finished speaking, he frowned and looked outside the restaurant,

The maid was standing there with her head bowed.

Buchanan scolded: "I just said, don't come to disturb me and Sir Lu, forgot? ”

The maid is also very aggrieved,

"Ambassador, there's two more people outside."

Buchanan annoyed,

"Who does it matter? Even if Emperor Meiji is outside, let me dry him for a few minutes! ”

Maid: "......"

He didn't speak, but he didn't move either.

Buchanan grew more and more angry,

"Didn't you hear me?"

The maid whispered, "Two Chinese came outside." Mr. Sun and Mr. Zhang, I ......"

Buchanan raised an eyebrow,

"What happened to the Chinese? Let me dry for a while, too. ”

After all, he is the British minister to Japan, and he can't let the people below figure out who the boss is just because he gives Lu Shi face.

Therefore, Buchanan did not consult Lu Shi when he said this.

Lu Shi was also very cooperative and remained silent.

But he had already vaguely guessed in his heart who the visitor was.

The maid said, "I can't hold it." The Mr. Zhang outside has been scolding, and the other Mr. Sun and Mr. Toushan have been constantly appeased, but with little effect. ”

Lu Shi: "......"

I was more sure who it was.

Buchanan's head is full of black lines,

￣□￣｜｜

“Shiit！”

He scolded in a low voice, and then said, "That's fine, take the opportunity to temporarily solve Toushanman's troubles." ”

Subsequently, he sternly ordered: "Tell the guards to detain that chapter for me!" Let him sober up! As for the other two, they can just be driven away, and during Sir Lu's time in Japan, they are not allowed to approach the embassy and my residence. ”

The maid bowed and took the order to leave.

Lu Shi said curiously: "Sir Buchanan, are you going to hand over the people to the Japanese side when you detain them?" ”

Buchanan waved his hand,

"No, it won't. We have our own makeshift cell. ”

That's how big Britain was in Japan.

Buchanan asked, "That person, you want to meet?" It's okay, I can arrange it. ”

Lu Shi said, "Let's finish eating first." ”

The two ate slowly.

Subsequently, Buchanan went to the embassy,

Lu Shi was escorted by ten guards to the temporary prison.

In the deepest room, he saw the Mr. Zhang.

Mr. Zhang seems to be not afraid of the cold, and only wears a jinpei (traditional Japanese costume) on the outside of the inner lining.

His face is resolute and determined, like a sculpture.

Interestingly, there always seems to be a mocking smile on the corner of his mouth, as if he has a skeptical and critical attitude towards the world.

Of course Lu Shi recognized this person-

ZHANG Taiyan,

Master of Chinese Studies.

It's no wonder that he dared to scold at the door of Buchanan's mansion.

He has the nickname "Chapter Maniac", which comes from the fact that he once admitted that he was "crazy".

It is said that the Japanese National Police Agency came to check the household registration and asked him to fill out a form.

He went so far as to fill in:

——

Origin: Bastard

Occupation: Saint

Age: Longevity without borders

——

Crazy enough, indeed.

One of Zhang Taiyan's major characteristics is that everyone dares to scold, and he is known as "the Republic of China".

He once scolded Cixi by name, "Demon Woman";

scolded Guangxu as a "clown";

The most outrageous thing is to write a couplet to Kang Youwei, "The country will die, and the old age will not die."

Zhang Taiyan's madness can be seen.

Lu Shi sat down in front of him.

As a result, before he could speak, the other party hung a pair of eyes obliquely, and said first: "You are Lu Shi?" ”

Lu Shi frowned,

The other party's attitude made him very unhappy.

What about historical figures?

With this tone of speech, who will give a good face?

It's not cheap!

Lu Shi stood up directly, waved his hand and said, "I'm not Lu Shi." ”

With that, he turned around and prepared to leave.

Zhang Taiyan also didn't expect to meet this kind of character who doesn't play according to the routine, and two options instantly appeared in his heart:

A. "You are Lu Shi!" You are! You are! You are! You are! ”

B. "Just now I wasn't very friendly, so you should be more responsible." ”

After weighing the pros and cons,

"Mr. Lu, stay!"

He ended up with C.

No way

If you choose A, the other party will definitely leave;

Choose B, and I can't say it myself.

Who would have thought that Lu Shi's footsteps did not even pause for a moment, and he still walked out firmly.

Zhang Taiyan can't help it,

"Mr. Lu, please...... Please wait! I just spoke a little bit harder. ”

At this time, he was only in his early thirties, and he was not as good as he was later.

So, the words of apology are not unspoken.

Lu Shi turned around at this time,

"Well, I remember, I'm Lu Shi."

said something quite faceless,

Zhang Taiyan's face changed again and again, but he still didn't say anything after all.

Lu Shi then sat down again.

He poured himself a cup of hot tea and quipped, "Mr. Zhang, this is better than the prison treatment of the Qing court, right?" At least I can give you a warm drink. ”

Zhang Taiyan was embarrassed,

"Mr. Lu, you seem to know me?"

Lu Shi said: "I've heard of it. ”

After speaking, he took a sip of tea on his own.

The room was quiet,

“……”

“……”

“……”

There was an eerie atmosphere between the two.

Zhang Taiyan muttered, "Then I'...... Then I'll simply ...... Forehead...... I was a writer for Shi Wu Bao, wanted for the Restoration, and went into exile in Japan, and later published "Refutation of Kang Youwei's Book on Revolution" and wrote a preface to "Revolutionary Army", which angered the Qing court and was arrested and imprisoned. Anyway, now I'm back in Japan. ”

Lu Shi did not pick up the stubble.

He knows that if history does not change, Zhang Taiyan's resume will have a long list of them.

Arrested and imprisoned,

Arrested and imprisoned,

Arrested and imprisoned,

Under house arrest,

……

The time of freedom and detention is roughly half of the time.

Lu Shi said curiously: "You and that Mr. Sun were invited by the Black Dragon Society to Ambassador Buchanan's mansion, right?" ”

Zhang Taiyan nodded slowly,

"Yes."

Lu Shi is clear,

Obviously, it is still a matter of the manuscript of the "Black Dragon" journal.

Mr. Sun and Zhang Taiyan are sponsored by the Black Dragon Society, and it is normal for them to be invited to make peace with their short hands and short mouths.

Lu Shi fell into deep thought,

I can't agree to the manuscript request.

Seeing that he didn't speak, Zhang Taiyan continued: "Mr. Lu, you have written a lot of historical works, and you have a ...... of Japan and Scorna (because of harmony, this word is replaced)"

Interrupted by land,

"I generally refer to it as 'China' or 'China.'"

Zhang Taiyan endured and endured, but in the end he couldn't hold back, and said: "It's stupid! ”

Lu Shi spreads his hands,

"Look, you're starting again."

Zhang Taiyan raised his voice,

"I'm not scolding you for no reason! Don't you know that in those treaties that lost power and humiliated the country, 'Emperor of the Qing Dynasty' and 'Emperor of China' mean the same thing? If you recognize 'China' and 'China', isn't that equivalent to recognizing the Qing court? ”

Lu Shi suddenly,

It turns out that the other party's thinking is like this.

It does not seem incomprehensible to think from the perspective of an anti-feudal and xenophobic revolutionary.

What's more, Zhang Taiyan even has "The Theory of Righteousness and Hatred".

Grumpy brother, very extreme.

Lu Shi groaned for a moment,

"Mr. Zhang, do you know what ancient China was called by foreigners?"

Zhang Taiyan said: "Aurora, Khitan, and Scorn...... 'China' is actually our self-name. ”

Lu Shixiao,

"Why do you call yourself that?"

Zhang Taiyan raised his eyebrows and said, "Are you teaching me?" Hum...... To be honest, I didn't even bother to answer. But I have a feeling that you have something to say later, so I'll talk about it. China did not appear alone, it was paired with the four razes. ”

This answer is concise and to the point.

Lu Shi said: "That's right, we call ourselves 'China,' and I think there's a kind of Sinocentrism implicit in that. ”

Zhang Taiyan heard this concept for the first time,

He chewed silently for a moment, then nodded, "That's right." ”

Lu Shi asked again: "Westerners don't understand these ways, so they can accept 'China', 'China', 'Qing Emperor' and 'Chinese Emperor' have become the same meaning." But why don't the Japanese like to use it like this? ”

Zhang Taiyan said: "What else can it be? Japan's recognition of 'China' is tantamount to admitting that it is a 'four yi', which is equivalent to a kind of self-dwarfing. ”

Lu Shi said: "It's more than that. ”

Zhang Taiyan was a little confused,

"Anything else?"

He couldn't figure it out.

Lu Shi explained: "After Fukuzawa Yukichi, Japan began to argue that the Qing court was not a Chinese ......"

Zhang Taiyan sneered,

"Isn't it?"

Lu Shi frowned,

We can say this, why do the Japanese say it? Besides, that's not necessarily true......"

Zhang Taiyan continued: "Facts are facts, anyone can say it! ”

Lu Shi immediately replied to the other party: "Stupid!" ”

Zhang Taiyan: "! @#￥%……”

Spitting garbled words.

Lu Shi snorted from his nose and said: "The Japanese claim that only the eighteen provinces of Han are the 'Honba', and Manchuria, Mongolia, Hui, and Tibet do not belong. Regardless of whether it is right or wrong, what is its intention? ”

Zhang Taiyan shook his head,

"Traces ......"

"Enough!"

Lu Shi directly interrupted: "Don't you really know how to explain the word 'black dragon' in the 'Black Dragon Society'?" ”

These words were like a slap in the face to Zhang Taiyan.

After a long time, he said, "I don't think so...... Don't think it'......."

The latter words could not be said after all.

Lu Shi frowned,

"The Japanese have too long a hand. What others don't want, he can take away? Besides, did anyone say no? ”

(End of chapter)