When humans were able to conduct ocean-going trade, the development of navigation became the number one technology in all countries. Western powers invested a lot of manpower and material resources in researching new types of merchant ships and warships. Running faster, carrying more, and being safer are the ultimate pursuits of all navigators and businessmen.
The pinnacle of sail merchant ships is the clipper ship, which is famous in the history of navigation. This kind of sailboat, designed purely for the pursuit of speed, has completely escaped the constraints of the trade wind belt. It only takes 20 days to cross the Pacific at the fastest, and only a little over a month at the slowest.
After the war ended, Xiao Letian entrusted a foreign merchant ship to go to Beijing to find the American Minister Hua Ruohan, and used his family's connections to strike up a conversation with President Lincoln.
Xiao Letian was very confident. For a politician with a moral obsession, promises must be kept. Xiao Letian would never believe that Lincoln would break his promise. What's more, Xiao Letian still has two trump cards in his hand. One is the temptation of the contract in the industrial zone, and the other is the American church with which the relationship is becoming increasingly close.
Lincoln, what do you want? Whether it is the interests of the United States or noble morality, as long as you tell me, I will give it to you, and I will even give you a personal favor.
Do you owe me your life? Was there a need for a large number of overseas orders after the American Civil War? Have you received any kind reminders from the American church these days?
I've given you personal favors, I've given you morals, and I've even returned benefits to you. What if Lincoln doesn't agree to Xiao Letian's conditions? Well, Xiao Letian doesn't mind jumping into the sea and traveling back in time, and before leaving, he scolds the world for being too perverted.
Lewis is right. There is already a clipper ship on the west coast of the United States carrying the President's plenipotentiary envoy. On the blue Pacific Ocean, two excited Americans were constantly counting the dates. According to the current speed, everyone would be able to see the coastline of the Ryukyu Kingdom in fifteen days.
"Mike, tell me about the legendary Western philosopher Xiao. How amazing is he?" The questioner was a young naval officer named Matthew, a young man whom the President trusted very much. He was the one who asked this question. plenipotentiary for the talks.
"Oh! Matthew, are you still looking at the sketches of the photos? I found that you are really interested in this Xiao Letian. All the time, you talked about him..."
Not only along the way, but also on the North American continent, the two young men had been talking about Xiao Letian's battle in Naha. First update Speaking of the highlights, Mike even took out the photos he collected and the sketches he later drew based on his memories.
In 1865, black-and-white photography technology was already very mature. Many captains at the port of Naha had private cameras. They used this magical technology to capture the entire process of the Naha riot throughout the night, which became the most precious Historical data.
Not only that, Mike, an amateur art enthusiast, used pencil drawings to sketch out the Battle of Naha in his memory during the return voyage. It was with the help of photos and sketches that Matthew was able to picture that tragic war in his mind without any obstacles.
The Japanese ronin who crazily slaughtered civilians, the Chinese and indigenous people who struggled to escape, and the mutilated corpses in the fire and pool of blood proved the cruelty of the Japanese. Then a big flag appeared in the sky. Under the flag were countless angry faces. A young and handsome man, holding a Colt pistol, was shouting for war.
Matthew seemed to be able to hear the thunderous shouts of killing, and he could even smell the pungent blood in the thick smoke. When the huge explosion at the dock swallowed up the young hero, Matthew could even feel his own heart. All tight.
It has to be said that Americans have a heroic complex in their bones, and Xiao Letian's experience was even worse than that of a hero. The broken flag in despair even kept Matthew awake all night.
"Mike, I asked the president for permission before leaving. After this agreement is signed, I will go to that magical ancient empire with you. I may have to stay for a while...because I have applied for the military attaché in China. Although the position has not yet been approved by the president, the president has allowed me to take over for a period of time..."
"Oh my god, this is great. I also have to work for my family to open up the Chinese market. We can live together... Oh, by the way, Xiao Letian owes me a big favor. We can eat him when we go to China. Yes, drink him and play with him..."
In the Pacific Ocean at night, a clipper boat cut through the waves. Two young Americans on the bow had already begun to study how to kill Xiao Letian. At this time, Xiao Letian sneezed several times in his sleep and muttered. I don't know what to say in my sleep.
At the same time, north of Naha Port, in the castle tower of Kagoshima, Rigen Kayama, dressed in pure white kimono, was kneeling in front of the head of the Shimadzu family, Tadayoshi Shimazu, holding his ribs in his hand and crying in pain.
"Please allow me to perform a caesarean section to atone for my sins. I have thrown away the glory of the Shimazu family for two hundred years. I can no longer live alone. I wish that I could see the Lord before I die... Wuwuwu..."
Shimazu Tadayoshi and his father Shimazu Hisamitsu did not agree to his request for caesarean section. Instead, they turned to Sakamoto Ryoma and said, "Sakamoto-kun, I'm really sorry this time. I've troubled you and caused you injury. I'm very sorry!" The two of them bowed their heads and saluted Mr. Ryoma.
"Sir, don't say that. Ryoma is extremely ashamed. This trip to Naha did not bring benefits to the Shimazu family. On the contrary, it lost a lot. This is already a sin..."
"No, no, no, we have nominally lost some interests, but we have also gained, haven't we? What does the Shimadzu family rely on for being able to stand in Kyushu for four hundred years? Doesn't it rely on the courage to open our eyes and see the world? Although we Many people died, but we got to know an amazing person, and I think it was worth it!" Shimazu Hisamitsu said calmly.
Shimazu Tadayoshi also nodded in approval, "The trend of the world is instigated by talents. What's the big deal if thousands of untouchables and soldiers die? Haven't we already established a connection with Xiao Letian? Sometimes bad beginnings may not be possible. A bad result, maybe this is an excellent learning opportunity for our Shimadzu family!"
Sakamoto Ryoma's heart was filled with waves. Sure enough, it was Shimazu Mudashi. He could see hope from failure. This kind of flexible mentality was really scary. The first update that comes to mind. Sakamoto Ryoma lowered his head and saluted, "Since you are so aware, I will boldly offer my plan!"
When the two leaders of the Shimazu family heard Ryoma's suggestion, they quickly straightened their clothes and bowed their heads respectfully to ask for advice. Even Kaguyama Rigen had forgotten about having a caesarean section and bowed his head in the same way.
"Yes, Japan can survive only by not being discouraged after failure and by constantly learning. We must learn from the Ming Dynasty and the Song Dynasty, and now we must learn from the Western powers. More and faster chapters Please come. And today a contemporary master of Western learning is in front of us and defeated us with his knowledge. Do we still have resentful revenge? Isn't this the right direction for Amaterasu to guide us?"
Hearing Mr. Longma's scolding, the three people present lowered their heads, "Hai! We don't dare to have the slightest resentment. We only want to learn from scholar Xiao Xuxin and ask Mr. Longma to tell us the method!"
Sakamoto Ryoma nodded, "Yo Xi! First of all, we must admit that as long as Xiao Letian is alive, we can't get Ryukyu back. Of course, this is no longer important. In the face of the Westerners' ever-changing navigation skills, Naha's economic status has already Very weak. From today on, the Shimazu family must face this grandmaster from the mainland with the most open minds, and we must be mentally prepared to abandon Ryukyu."
"Isn't Xiao Letian going to form a foreign legion? Send out the best samurai from our Shimazu family and let them learn as wild samurai. I heard that Xiao Letian has already popularized education in his new army. Even Xiao Letian I occasionally give lectures, which is a great opportunity!”
"In addition, Xiao Letian has invested in ten schools in Naha. What kind of 'free education' is there? Students can enroll without paying tuition. Two of the schools are even military academies. How can we not seize such an opportunity and choose the smartest Send our children to Naha so that they can receive Western-style education. This is the foundation of our future career!"
"Third, let us Shimadzu businessmen be prepared, encourage them to go to Naha, and do everything possible to integrate them into Xiao Letian's business. I can foresee that Naha will soon introduce Western It is very likely that Ryukyu will become the first country in Asia to carry out preliminary industrialization!"
Having said this, Sakamoto Ryoma punched the tatami and said with great excitement, "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. We must give up the narrow hatred in our hearts. Please come to more and faster chapters. And you, Kayama Rigen, you If you have the courage to have a disembowelment, don’t you have the courage to learn Western learning from scratch? What is courage? Know your shame and then be brave! Turn grief and anger into strength, and let your achievements wash away your sins. This is the right way..."
Ryoma Sakamoto's passionate speech moved everyone present. Rigen Kayama burst into tears and prostrated himself on the tatami without even daring to raise his head. The head of the Shimadzu family was also infected by Ryoma, and seemed to have a burning sensation in his heart. fire.
"Yo Xi, is it industrialization? The ultimate secret in the hands of the Western powers? Can we also touch the power that is so powerful that even ghosts and gods shun it? Yo West Yo West..."
It has to be said that the Japanese nation is a nation that cares about fighting but not eating. Worshiping the strong is the genetic code of their nation and cannot be abandoned at all. Xiao Letian really convinced them this time. As a result, their attitudes immediately changed 180 degrees.
"Ryoma-kun, I have a doubt. Will Xiao Letian accept us? You must know that your strategy cannot fool him at all. Will this Dongfang Shinzhe accept talents from the Shimadzu family?"
Ryoma nodded affirmatively, "Yes, I am very sure that if he can form a foreign legion composed mainly of Japanese samurai after the war, you can already see his ambition to swallow mountains and rivers. On the battlefield, he is as ruthless as Shura from hell, but when After the enemy was completely defeated, he could show kindness like a Bodhisattva..."
"He is so unlike a Qing person. The winner does not massacre the city or receive humiliating punishment. He is good at winning the hearts and minds of the losers, and he is even better at seizing the souls of his followers. I even have a strange feeling. I feel like a A dynasty will be born in his hands, and I was tortured by this thought so much that I trembled all over and stayed up all night..."
Sakamoto Ryoma subconsciously cast his eyes in the direction of Naha in the south, and said involuntarily, "I always have a vague feeling that this man has... the qualities of an 'emperor'... Yes, not the qualities of a leader nor the title of a king." Zi, he really is like a real dragon!"
Listening to the faint words in Ryoma's mouth, a cold wind blew through the castle tower, and several Japanese shuddered.
"Hmm... Baby, come and give me a smile... Huniu, Fuhui, come on, come on, I'm home... Fly together, I want to fly together..." Xiao Letian was still chirping in his sleep, No matter how you look at it, there is no bullshit true dragon appearance.
