Chapter 65: Nanhai Railway Travel (5)
PS: Regarding the explanation for the Donglin Party’s self-financed group to go south to investigate the case.
Some readers think that the Donglin scholar went south to investigate the case, which does not fit the pattern of party strife in the late Ming Dynasty. Because party disputes in the late Ming Dynasty were not tried in court, and the outcome was never determined by conclusive evidence, but by whose voice and power were loudest and most powerful. Almost none of the enemies who were tortured to death by the Donglin Party in the late Ming Dynasty died because they were found to have real evidence... In fact, the southward journey of the two groups of Donglin scholars in my book was originally intended to build momentum. Their real key task is not to find any evidence, but to send some people with high qualifications to serve as political lobbyists to hook up with local government officials, retired senior officials and other influential high-level figures in Fujian and Guangdong provinces, and unite them to launch an attack. Promote this matter.
Because generally speaking, the launch of any political trend requires the cooperation between the local and central governments. If some members of the Donglin Party make efforts in court to punish Huangshi and expel the "big bandits" (although Qian Qianyi's reputation is great, he cannot mobilize the entire Donglin Party), the local officials of Fujian and Guangdong provinces who are involved will But if you go against them, things will become embarrassing, and you may even be in danger of being attacked by other political forces.
Then, it is not enough to just send a servant to deliver a letter for this kind of thing. A heavyweight must go there. Otherwise, the family is also a famous gentry family or a powerful feudal official. You send a servant to deliver it. After sending the letter, you are asking people to take sides and participate in the political struggle... They are not your servants. This is simply insulting! It is necessary to negotiate in person and make various promises, guarantees and exchanges of interests.
Although Qian Qianyi was famous all over the world and had amazing influence at that time, he was temporarily living at home because of the failure of his last political struggle. He was anxious to do something big to attract attention and help himself accumulate reputation and credit, so as to achieve a comeback in politics. dream, so he took the initiative to do this.
Another problem is that other members of the Donglin Party do not fully trust Qian Qianyi, and other big bosses also consider competing with Qian Qianyi for credit and dominance. In addition, the political level of the members of the Donglin Party also varies, and those who are good at playing politics often lack courage - the group of people going to Lingnan were scared away by the false alarm of "the Australian army was coming" as soon as they arrived in Guangzhou. Most of them, the rest are just stupid people.
However, Fang Yizhi, the leading celebrity scholar, was very brave, but he reversed the priorities and did not take the trouble to contact the government and the gentry. Just like the Donglin Party organized the Suzhou tax resistance incident, it first instigated the "anti-employee trend" among the people. "Tide", and then "go up to heaven to listen" - he is actually not good at this, but he really foolishly went to Hainan Island to spy on the enemy (judging from Fang Yizhi's anti-Qing deeds in the late Ming and Nanming periods, This guy is in politics At most, he was at the level of a young officer who launched Japan's February 26th Mutiny. He did a lot of stupid things such as internal strife that made relatives and enemies happy. Apart from being firm in his stance, he had absolutely no merit. It wasn't until the end that he became a little smarter. It's a pity that the situation is over), not to mention the "Inaction Young Tiger" Yu Guozhen, this inner ghost who is also a time traveler is constantly deliberately deceiving them and leading them into the ditch... That's why the Qiongzhou trip happened this time. OK.
As for encountering Huangshi on Hainan Island, it was entirely a matter of luck and could not have been predicted in advance. Otherwise, the Donglin Party members would have taken advantage of Huang Shi's absence in Fujian to find ways to seize his military power - whether or not they would succeed is another matter. In fact, another Donglin scholar who went to Fujian at the same time was indeed uniting the gentry and officials in Fujian to create some minor troubles for Huangshi...
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In the dining car hanging at the end of the train, with American country music playing on the speakers, His Excellency Huang Shi, General Pingman of the Ming Dynasty, Commander-in-Chief of the Fujian Army and Commander-in-Chief of the Lingao Senate, was sitting behind the slightly narrow train dining table, entertaining Had lunch with Japanese envoys from afar.
At this time, Huang Shi had finished his sumptuous lunch and was wiping his mouth with a napkin while signaling the orderly to remove the cups, plates and cutlery from the table. At the same time, he smiled broadly at the person on the other side of the table who was still chewing slowly. The Japanese envoy asked, "...Mr. Shosui, is lunch still to your taste?"
"...Hmm, thank you General Huang for your warm hospitality. The delicacies of the Heavenly Kingdom are indeed extraordinary!"
A special pilgrim envoy from the Maori family of the Choshu Domain, he is a famous diplomat, strategist, reformer and sinologist who has become famous in the Japanese archipelago in recent years. He is known as a superior military advisor such as Takenaka Hanbei and Kuroda, the "famous military advisors of the Warring States Period" in the past. Wei's all-Japan star idol figure, "Changzhou Su Lao", followed Nobuyoshi and kept hearing the words. He hurriedly put down the wine glass and chopsticks in his hands, swallowed the food in his mouth, and replied with a smile in the correct Ming Dynasty Mandarin, "...turning the ordinary into magic, the color, flavor and shape are all excellent works, the breadth and depth of Chinese cuisine It really amazes these remote islanders like me..."
In fact, in the dining car at this time, Shou Sui Nobuyoshi, the "Changzhou Su Lao", was relatively reserved in his eating appearance. The few Choshu Domain attendants he brought with him even ate every plate, and even used it. They ate all the radish flowers for decoration and barely licked the plates.
On the other side, after hearing what Morisui Shinyoshi said, the others didn't have any special reaction, but Miss Ma Tong, who was using Doraemon's magical prop [gourmet tablecloth] to make after-dinner fruits and drinks, smelled Yan Ke couldn't help but shake his hands slightly, with a very strange expression, "...Chinese cuisine? In order to entertain these Japanese guests, I specially prepared traditional Japanese cuisine today!"
She looked down at the menu she had drawn up on the note, and then looked up at the messy table with cups and plates. She confirmed that she had indeed ordered Japanese food, and she was also convinced that what was on the table was Japanese food. But why did these Japanese insist on saying so? The table is full of Chinese food?
“…hand-held tuna sushi and tofu skin sushi, fried vegetable tempura, Osaka takoyaki balls and tamagoyaki, mini oden and mini sukiyaki beef hot pot, the main dish is omurice, and the dessert is dorayaki...except Worry They were drunk and made a mistake. They served low-alcohol light beer instead of sake. The other dishes were all genuine Japanese food! How could these Japanese people not recognize it?"
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"...Because these so-called traditional Japanese dishes have not been invented yet in Japan at this time, at least in the Choshu Domain!"
Sitting next to her, Ping Qiucheng, the "Japan expert" of the Lingao Traveler Senate, raised his eyebrows and replied, "...Although the dishes you served are all Japanese food, the problem is, nigiri sushi Dorayaki and Dorayaki were invented in the early Edo period, tempura did not appear until around the end of the Tokugawa period, and the emergence of sukiyaki, oden and Osaka octopus balls had to wait until the Meiji Restoration. Later. The current time and space is only 1632, the Edo period has just begun, and these envoys are all from the Choshu Domain in the westernmost part of Japan, even though there are already sushi and Dorayaki in Edo. , it is estimated that it will not spread across Japan to Changshu soon... They will naturally regard these unseen dishes as Chinese food!"
"...That's it! It's so complicated!" Ma Tong scratched his hair, feeling as if he had hit cotton with a punch, and he couldn't laugh or cry.
At the same time, another compliment from Shou Sui Xinji made Huang Shi, who was sitting opposite, smile bitterly, "...In addition, General Huang is still so self-disciplined in his daily life and dining, and is not afraid of hard work and wearing heavy clothes." A, you are always working hard, you are really a role model for us warriors!”
——Looking at Huang Shi's shining silver armor, Shusui Xinji said with admiration and envy, knowing that the armor was heavy.
But Huang Shi knew in his heart that the armor that looked very luxurious and heavy on his body was actually a movie prop made of plastic. It was just sprayed with a layer of gold and silver paint on the outside. It just looked majestic, but in fact it was very powerful when worn on the body. It’s light and has no protective effect at all— - This thing is a guy from the "relevant department" who watched too many costume dramas. He got it from someone who didn't know which crew he got it from, and forced Huang Shi to wear it in the "foreign affairs event" in order to show off in front of the Japanese envoys. ...It’s just that you can’t say this clearly, otherwise it won’t look good on anyone if it’s exposed.
Just at this time, the orderly served a fruit platter and after-dinner drinks. Huang Shi took the opportunity to make a haha and changed the topic, "...Although Hainan Island is remote, it has many benefits. For example, it is summer here all year round, even in winter. It's not cold. And there are treasures everywhere. Take the fruits here, they are inexhaustible all year round! There are many fruits here that are difficult to eat in Japan. Mr. Morisui might as well try some more. …”
Shousui Xinji looked down and saw that the huge blue-and-white porcelain plate was filled with sliced fruits of various colors, including watermelon, cantaloupe, mango, pineapple, dragon fruit, coconut meat... red ones, white ones, Yellow, colorful, exuding a rich sweet fragrance, even if you haven't eaten it in your mouth, just looking at and smelling it will make you salivate. There is a large glass jar next to it, which is filled with a purple-red drink with ice cubes floating in it. It is filled with the aroma of flowers and plants, and there is a hint of air-conditioning, which can make people feel hotter in an instant...< br>
"...Among these fruits, there are indeed many rare delicacies in small countries like ours. I would like to thank General Huang for his kindness..."
Morisuke Nobuyoshi nodded humbly, "...It's just that the Choshu Army's battle to go to Luo (to Beijing) is now getting ready, and it urgently needs the replenishment of ordnance and ammunition, as well as the assistance of your country's naval fleet. Otherwise, General Tokugawa Home sits after all We support more than half of our country, and we have many soldiers and generals. We are still fighting against the trapped beasts, and the victory or defeat of our army is still uncertain. Therefore, when I come to see His Majesty the Supreme Emperor of your country next time, I would like to ask the general to have a few kind words..."< br>
"...Mr. Shousui, please rest assured. Although there is still debate on the extent of assistance to your clan, there is absolutely no problem in replenishing your army's ordnance and ammunition. Those ammunition, firearms and artillery are now piled up. At the dock in Lingao, you can take it with you when you return home.”
Huang Shi patted his chest and said generously, "...As for the money to purchase arms, you can also go on credit first. If a decision is finally reached to send troops to assist in the war, I may personally lead the Funing Army to go on an expedition to Japan again. Let’s see how sharp the Tokugawa family’s soldiers are!”
"...Ah, this is really...General Huang's great kindness. The whole family is extremely grateful and will never forget it!" Shusui Xinji quickly showed a happy expression and lowered his head sincerely again, "... …May General Huang have a long military career and may he serve as a duke for generations to come…”
At this time, what Huang Shi didn't know was that the Fujian base camp, which he thought was relatively stable, was already undercurrent and riots were imminent...
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——The famous and powerful "Changzhou Su Lao" Shoushi Shinji quietly left the Changshu Domain at this time and traveled thousands of miles from Japan to come to Hainan Island. Of course, it was impossible just to eat, drink, have fun and enjoy the southern country. Sunshine and beach, but shouldering important responsibilities related to military and national affairs.
In fact, in the spring of 1632 AD, a new round of overthrowing war launched by the Maori family had already sounded the clarion call for war.
Soon after the winter snow melted, three thousand Choshu's new troops crossed the Kanmon Strait and attacked the shogunate's last two strongholds in the Western Kingdom: Hirado and Nagasaki.
Then, they did not encounter any armed forces of the Tokugawa Shogunate here. Instead, they were surprised to see two charred ruins and an "overseas Japanese" crusade from the Spanish colonies in the Philippines. The leader was A foreign Christian named Okamoto...
——The two Crocodile-class landing ships of the Vladivostok Far East Company and the modern mobile troops that crossed the sea, in addition to breaking into the Seto Inland Sea last year, looting Sakai Town, and pulling up the new shogunate army that General Tokugawa Iemitsu spent so much effort on. All the breaths were burnt into bones and ashes, next He also severely damaged Hirado and Nagasaki, the two shogunate territories and treaty ports in Kyushu: shelling, fire attacks, and landing troops to plunder, which not only destroyed the shogunate troops stationed here. , even the peasants and townspeople who had no time to escape were kidnapped and used as coolies.
Faced with the overwhelming artillery fire, the poor shogunate Nagasaki had to abandon the city and fled to the wilderness. He gathered a few remaining defeated soldiers and wandered around hungry for a long time. Finally, he finally made it to the Far East Company. The fleet pulled anchor and set out to sea, returning with a full load... Who knew what would happen next? Before the remnants of the shogunate could clear out the ruined city, another Spanish galleon sailed over, carrying more than 1,500 "overseas Japanese" crusaders from the Philippines and forcibly landed. The real name of the later traveler named Hale was Evaristo. Rosa. Led by Brazilian-Japanese international terrorists from Okamoto, and relying on the artillery support of Spanish warships, they launched a fierce attack on the dilapidated Nagasaki Port.
When the house leaked, it rained all night, and the last remaining power of the shogunate in the Western Kingdom was completely wiped out. The Crusaders also took the opportunity to occupy the Port of Nagasaki. At the same time, they trumpeted that they were here to protect Japanese believers and tried their best to win over the Choshu Domain. The recognition and support of the "Chechidan" forces.
As for the Choshu clan, which led the overthrow of the alliance, although they have some doubts about the "Filipino Japanese Christian Crusade", a Spanish vassal force, taking this opportunity to enter Japan, in any case, now is the time to recruit troops. At that time, in order to overthrow the powerful Tokugawa Shogunate, it was always good to have more power. Therefore, under the coordination of Jesuit missionaries, Okamoto's "Philippine Japanese Crusade" composed of Japanese ronin, Southeast Asian natives and a few European adventurers, finally gained the recognition of the Maori family and successfully joined the The sequence of overthrowing the Tokugawa army.
Next, the Maori lord personally led the main force of the Choshu Army, which consisted of more than 10,000 people, and the reinforcements of about 15,000 people from allied vassal states. A total of 25,000 troops landed on Kyushu Island, and joined the advance troops of the Choshu Domain and the local troops of Kyushu Island. After gathering allies from all walks of life, they used the power of Mount Tai to attack the last remaining feudal lords loyal to the shogunate in the Western Kingdom, such as Karatsu Domain and Shimabara Domain.
In the face of the overthrown coalition forces that had an absolute advantage in all aspects, the remaining Samu vassal states in Kyushu were successively defeated and destroyed, or Kaicheng surrendered. The Tokugawa shogunate, which had just been hit hard by the Far East Company, was unable to cross the sea to rescue them. Only a few vassals on Shikoku Island assembled an army and crossed the sea to sneak attack on the eastern part of Kyushu Island in an attempt to contain some of the forces of the overthrown Tokugawa army. However, they were quickly beaten to the point of fleeing, and not a single one of them was able to escape back to Shikoku Island.
Then, with the successful pacification of Kyushu Island, the next strategy for the overthrow of the shogunate was obviously to march eastward to Kamikata and compete with General Tokugawa Iemitsu, who was already in Kinki at this time... But the problem is that the shogunate is currently in a difficult situation. Embarrassing, yes The Choshu Domain also had many problems: First of all, during the early Kyushu pacification war, nearly half of the arms and ammunition that the Choshu Domain had hoarded for many years had been consumed. The gap cannot be filled at all. Secondly, the overthrow of the coalition forces is only rough at the moment, and it is a troublesome matter to straighten out the command system.
Moreover, although the Maori family has now recruited soldiers and horses from various vassals in the Western Kingdom and Kyushu, the number is probably still not as good as the huge coalition force that the Tokugawa shogunate was able to gather in Kanto. In terms of strength, they can attack more with less. What's worse is that the Choshu Domain has so far failed to successfully instigate rebellion against any vassal state in the Kinki region, so this battle of Shangluo is completely an off-site operation. Not only did the overthrown army have to travel long distances and penetrate deep into the enemy's country, using inferior forces to fight against the shogunate army who was waiting for work, but they also had to storm Osaka, a fortified city built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi with all the efforts of the country. The Choshu clan could not help but feel a little sad about this.
Faced with such a mixed and confusing situation, in order to increase the chance of winning in this battle to determine Japan's hegemony and prevent the Maori family's ambition to enter Beijing to open the government in vain, under the unanimous recommendation of the feudal lord, as " "Ming Guotong"'s "Changzhou Su Lao" Shoushi Xinji took advantage of the period when both sides were preparing for the war, took the regular liaison ship sent by the Lingao Traveler Senate, and ran to Hainan Island to ask for help... However, at this time, the Lingao Senate had already You can no longer act autonomously as you did in the past. Rather, in addition to accepting guidance from the "relevant departments" of the central government, they also had to coordinate the interests of the Vladivostok Far East Company on the issue with Japan... Hence, the trip to Sanya by the Choshu Domain Mission.