Chapter 187 The Meiji Restoration of Japan (5)
In early January 1858, Hota Masumu arrived in Kyoto with the founding agreement.
The imperial court official Kujo Shochu and Sakai Tadayoshi, the shogunate's Kyoto chief, rushed to hear the news.
Hota Masamushi said that the Nine Swords of Shangchudao were: Barbarians from outside came to the city frequently, and they all begged to get through the city. But I stick to the old rules and don't understand them, and I'm afraid I will bring disaster on myself. Because we want to open up all the ports and connect overseas. By changing the laws of the country, the industry will prosper. It is particularly troublesome to the people of the world, who do not believe it. It’s not enough to obey God’s decision. Please forward this founding agreement to His Majesty the Emperor for seal and seal.
Kujo Shochudao: Mr. Hota and all the ministers in Kyoto, except Mr. Taiko Takashi, all have said that they should seize the country and fight against foreigners. It is very difficult for Your Majesty to agree to this founding agreement.
Hota Masumu said: Article 1 of "Forbidden and Incorporated Public Laws" states that the emperor's first priority in all matters concerning his artistic abilities is the study of knowledge. I came to Beijing this time just to block the mouths of famous people. Please tell your Majesty that you only need to seal the seals and seals, and there is no need to worry about the ministers.
Sakai Tadayoshi, the director of the Kyoto Office, said: According to the "Forbidden and Incorporated Public Laws", His Majesty the Emperor has no right to comment on state affairs; the seals and paintings are an extrajudicial act of mercy by the general who conquered the barbarians. The two masters of the shogunate and Guan Bai of the imperial court work together to solve every problem in the world.
Kujo Shangzhong said: What the two masters said is absolutely true! Seclusion of the country will do a lot of harm but no good. I will immediately report it to Lord Taige Ying Si Zhengtong for an internal review, and then we will join forces with our emperor to conclude the founding treaty as soon as possible.
Emperor Xiaomei took over and quickly summoned his ministers to discuss the matter.
A minister said: Wen Youfan's report is based on the words of Guandong.
Prince Nakagawa Palace Asahiko, Dai Nayan Nakayama Tadano, and Masachikamachi Sanjo Minai all changed their expressions after discussing Wanli Xiaolu.
Prince Zhongchuan Palace said to Prince Yan: "I am determined not to open the market. Even if I use it to seize the city, I can't agree!"
As soon as this was said, all the officials started filing lawsuits, and they couldn't agree on what to do.
Emperor Xiaomei was very depressed.
After the morning court, Prince Nakagawa Miyako and Nakayama Tadanō boldly stated: Your Majesty, the seal and seal are in line with the wishes of the Edo shogunate. Since the founding of the People's Republic of China, the world has undergone great changes. Your Majesty should no longer indulge in playing chess, calligraphy and painting. You should follow the trend and wait for opportunities to change.
Emperor Takamei said: It was not because of my inaction that six hundred years ago, there was the chaos of Jiujiu; in the fourth year of Kanei, the Purple Clothes Order was issued; in the sixth year of Kanei, Kasuga Bureau paid homage; one after another, the gain was not worth the loss. .
Zhongshan Zhongneng said: Your Majesty, for three years after dawn, people died of hunger all over the fields, and 30,000 grasses were running around the imperial city. The people's support can be used. Since the founding of the People's Republic of China, the general Yin Qian and more than a hundred feudal lords have respected the emperor and fought against the barbarians; the Wu family has done its own thing. Your Majesty can use the name of fighting against the barbarians to win over people's hearts.
Emperor Xiaomei said: Taige Yingsi Zhengtong blindly adheres to the founding of the country, what should we do?
Prince Nakagawa Chaoyan said: "Kandong is still in trouble, what's more, I'm so old and too old!"
Emperor Xiaoming said: Very good! Tomorrow I will announce the edict to the court.
Zhongshan Zhongneng said: Your Majesty, you must not do it! Blatantly going against the grain, striking the grass and frightening the snake, the blessings and misfortunes are unpredictable. I will immediately contact all the ministers to find out.
From the four top attendants, Iwakura Tomoshi said: "Your Majesty, Mr. Zhongshan has a high position and authority, and it is not appropriate to leave lightly. If I have a problem, I will run all night to persuade the ministers to gather everyone's strength to solve your Majesty's worries."
Iwakura Tomoshi worked all night and gained a lot. The next day, eighty-eight ministers attended the court and participated in the impeachment of Guan Bai Jiu Tiao, Shang Zhong, and the conclusion of the treaty, which harmed the country.
Emperor Xiaomei had a helpless look on his face and followed the trend and said: Unless I don't allow it, it's hard to violate the will of the people! Whether it is the founding of a country or the fight against barbarians, the matter is of great importance. The superiors are afraid of the ancestors and gods, and the inferiors are concerned about the hearts of millions of people. It cannot be decided at will. It is better to draw on the public opinions of the princes of the world and make a concrete report.
Hota Masumu smiled bitterly and said: Your Majesty, what will happen if the Americans and barbarians are forced to attack? The people of our country say that the swords, spears, wooden spears of our country are all the quintessence of our country! As everyone knows, the general trend of the world is that Sunchang will perish in reverse, which has not changed since ancient times.
Taige Yingsi Zhengtong heard this and quickly entered the palace, urging the founding of the country to rejuvenate the country, fight against the barbarians and subjugate the country.
Emperor Xiaomei said, "I won't grant the permission except for myself. Eighty-eight ministers are unanimously opposed to it. What can I do?" If people's hearts are harmonious, why should I forcefully rebel against Guandong!
Eagle Sikyong Passage: Your Majesty, the founding of the country was not approved by the imperial edict, and the royal materials that the shogunate gave to the imperial court were prohibited, so it is very difficult to preserve them.
Emperor Takamei said: Is Kanto so narrow-minded?
Eagle Sikyong Channel: The old minister is too worried! I would like to report to Your Majesty that the veteran minister has reached an advanced age, his spirit has declined, and he no longer has the ability to see inside. I sincerely request Your Majesty's permission to allow the veteran minister to rest in his official position.
Emperor Xiaomei said: Taige's words are important. Founding the country or fighting off the foreigners is a matter of national foundation. All decisions must be made by Taige. If you postpone your official career and take some time to recuperate, you will definitely be healthy.
Hota Masaki went to Beijing for half a year, but achieved nothing. Hota also realized his mistake and returned to Edo, directly telling the Tokugawa family: I am reporting to the shogun that I did not do my job well and it is my own fault. I beg the shogun to punish me.
Tokugawa family rule: Those who have merit must be rewarded, and those who have made mistakes must be punished! What do you mean, gentlemen?
The middle-aged man, Makino Tadaka, was unconvinced and asked to become an official because he was old and frail.
Tokugawa Iesada said: Hota is unable to do things, and Makino is old and has become an official. I would like to ask who can join the shogunate to assist the government.
Hota Masumu said: Sir Shogun, the Lord of Fukui Domain, Matsudaira Keinaga, is worthy of a great responsibility.
Matsudaira Tadyu said: Regardless of his family status and character, the lord of the Hikone Domain, Ii Naoki, is qualified for the post of Laozhong.
The Tokugawa family said: Those who blindly resist the barbarians are Mito; those who beg for the founding of the country are Hikone. Neither broken nor established, Mizuno is down, Hikone can go up; regardless of family background or character, there is no reason to go beyond Hikone and appoint Fukui. Extraordinary times are very important. According to this general's order, the post of elder is specially created today. The leader of the Hikone clan, Ii Naomichi, takes office immediately. Hotita went to the capital without success, and the first position will be terminated. Nianshang is diligent, and the elder is staying temporarily.
