I started with the Shinsengumi in Bakumatsu

Chapter 100: Forming the cabinet, Liu Sheng becomes the hot potato
After the court meeting was dissolved, the emperor was the first to leave, followed by Yagyu also leaving the main hall.

Others quickly met with their comrades to discuss, not shying away from the presence of others.

Matsudaira Harugaku walked up to Hitotsubashi Qingxi and said, "Master Hitotsubashi, is your Majesty trying to take real power?"

Hitotsubashi nodded slightly and said: "It is very possible that Yagyu must have felt that the shogunate's conquest of Choshu would be unfavorable, so he strengthened the court's strength at this time in order to deal with the issues between the shogunate and the Choshu clan afterwards."

Matsudaira Harugaku was a little surprised and said: "At this time, does the shogunate really want to send out a large army to conquer the Choshu Domain? Once the war starts, regardless of victory or defeat, it will be very painful for the shogunate. No wonder Yagyu will bewitch the emperor to take action."

Matsudaira Sadaki said with some worry: "I am afraid that some people will use this opportunity to harm the shogunate. I think Yagyu did this because he did not believe in the shogunate, and he was also worried about the liquidation of the Choshu clan."

Hitotsubashi said with a smile: "No matter what Yagyu thinks, in short, we have to confuse the water. It is best to let the Choshu clan misunderstand, so that Yagyu's power can be used for us."

Matsudaira Harugaku frowned slightly. He didn't like Hitotsubashi Keiki to cause trouble like this. He hoped that the shogunate could sit down and negotiate with other feudal lords, but now it seems that the time has not come yet.

Matsudaira Yongho was actually worried that Hitotsubashi Keiki would steal the chicken but lose the rice. However, Hitotsubashi Keiki was solely responsible for matters in Kyoto, and he could only follow the arrangements of Hitotsubashi Keiki.

Ichihashi smiled happily, deliberately walked past Shimazu Hisamitsu, and left the hall.

When Shimazu Hisamitsu saw Hitotsubashi's happy scene, he subconsciously felt that what happened today was probably a conspiracy of the shogunate. After all, Yagyu was born in the shogunate. After all, Yagyu had the imprint of the shogunate's power on him.

Shimazu Hisamitsu hurriedly stopped Nijo Saikyo as he left, and asked: "Master Guanbai, didn't you get any information about this matter?"

Nijo said in a bad mood: "How do I know? I haven't seen His Majesty in the past two days. It's just that Lord Yagyu paid homage to His Majesty as soon as possible after returning to Kyoto. We thought he was reporting on things in Edo, but there was nothing special about it." Don’t care too much.”

Shimazu Hisamitsu said anxiously: "Lord Guan Bai, Yagyu Heiyan is doing this against you."

Nijo Qi Jing thought for a while, waved his hand and said: "Shimazu-sama is overly worried. Your Majesty is just for better reform. Besides, I don't understand Western things, so I won't get involved.

Okay, you go and do your own thing. I have to go see His Majesty, so I need to take a step first. "

Nijo said that he ignored the ugly Shimazu Hisamitsu, and he, the right minister, the left minister and several princes paid homage to the emperor.

Emperor Takamei looked at Nijo Saikyo and more than a dozen people, and asked, "What can you do?"

Erjo Qi Jing was the first to ask: "Your Majesty, I am still a little confused about what you announced today. Please make it clear."

Emperor Komei hesitated for a moment, then said: "I am just making extra preparations for the sake of the country. If the shogunate cannot bear the burden of the world, then I will have no choice but to step forward."

Everyone below looked surprised, and Nijo Qi Jing quickly asked: "Your Majesty, is Yagyu-sama so confident?"

Emperor Komei said confidently: "Of course, you don't have to be afraid. As long as Aiko Yagyu completes the reform, the imperial court's strength will definitely be able to stabilize the situation in the world."

Prince Asahiko said excitedly: "Your Majesty, how will Lord Yagyu arrange the cabinet?"

Emperor Komei couldn't answer, and said with a guilty conscience: "I leave all this kind of matter to Yagyu Aiqing. I'm tired, so you all should step aside."

Prince Asahiko wanted to ask again, but the Emperor had already stood up and left, so he had no choice but to look at Nijou Saikyo.

Nijo said immediately: "We can only test Mr. Yagyu first. If we are involved in the cabinet, then we will have real power!"

……

Yagyu returned to the Military Guard and summoned Kondo Isamu, Hijikata Toshizo, Ogata Shuntaro, Takeda Kanryusai, Ito Koshitaro and other key figures to start a review.

In the conference room, Yagyu sat at the long table and said very seriously to the backbone: "The Emperor has ordered that I organize the cabinet and take charge of all matters related to the restoration. In addition, the Emperor has also ordered me to form the Kyoto Guards Division."

Yagyu took out the emperor's edict and gave it to everyone to check.

Takeda Kanryusai said excitedly: "Does the Prime Minister plan to select officials from among us? I, Kanryusai, not only learned the Koshu art of war, but also learned advanced Western naval technology. If I am in the cabinet, I will definitely be able to assist the Prime Minister in reforming the revolution." !”

Hijikata Toshizo immediately poured cold water on him and said, "Kanryuzai, do you know what departments there are in the cabinet?"

Takeda Kanryusai said slightly proudly: "I think the cabinet will definitely not lack a tax minister."

Ito Koshitaro smiled and said: "Mr. Kanryusai's arithmetic seems to be very average."

Takeda Kanryusai was a little embarrassed. He forced himself to calm down and said: "The Prime Minister knows what I am capable of, huh."

Yagyu raised his hand and said: "Okay, I have already considered who will be in the cabinet. The cabinet staff are temporarily divided into the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, Secretary-General of the Prime Minister, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Police, and Ministry of Interior , the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Transportation, and the Ministry of Energy.”

Yagyu took out a detailed division of functions and handed it to everyone, saying: "You can see which position you are suitable for and apply to me. I will recommend qualified candidates after a test."

"Dong dong dong..."

Everyone looked towards the door.

Yagyu stood up and said, "You guys should take a look first. I'll go and see what's going on." Yagyu stepped forward to open the door and saw Ichimura Tetsunosuke, and asked, "What's wrong? Tetsunosuke."

Ichimura Tetsunosuke whispered: "Director, Master Guanbai is here."

Yagyu didn't expect the public representative to come so soon to inquire about sharing the cake, but in his plan, he did want to share some benefits with the public.

"Well, let's go."

Yagyu let Ichimura Tetsunosuke lead the way, and soon came to the living room and saw Nijou Saijin who was drinking tea.

"Lord Guan Bai, I have failed to greet you from afar. I am rude to you."

With a smile on his face, Yagyu stepped forward and saluted.

Nijo Qi Jing didn't dare to show off. He supported Yagyu and said, "Prime Minister Yagyu, you're welcome. When I come this time, I will go to the Three Treasures Hall for nothing."

Yagyu said straight to the point: "Master Guan Bai wants to ask about the cabinet, right?"

Nijo smiled and said: "As expected of Prime Minister Yagyu, whom His Majesty the Emperor relies on, his mind is really exquisite. My little thoughts cannot be hidden from Prime Minister Yagyu's discernment.

Prime Minister Yagyu, to tell you the truth, the imperial court has been emptied out by the shogunate for more than 700 years. The imperial court and the public have been looking forward to this day for a long time. The public are all His Majesty's most loyal ministers. We strongly support the reform, and we hope that Prime Minister Yagyu can understand us. The feeling of loyalty to His Majesty. "

Yagyu smiled and said: "Of course I understand. This cabinet is naturally not dictated by my family. Then wouldn't I become Taira Kiyomori, Minamoto Yoritomo and other powerful ministers? However, His Majesty has high hopes for the cabinet, and I have to be careful. I absolutely cannot Let people make up for their mistakes.

If you want to be a member of the cabinet, you must have real talent and knowledge, understand Western affairs, be non-corrupt, non-corrupt, and serve the court wholeheartedly. Only then can I dare to entrust you with important tasks. What do you think, Lord Guan Bai? "

Nijo Qi Jing clapped his hands and applauded: "What Prime Minister Yagyu said is that this matter is related to the key point of the imperial court shouldering the world's heavy burden. Naturally, it cannot be vague. I support Prime Minister Yagyu's idea.

However, we ask Prime Minister Yagyu to give the public some time and we will try our best to select loyal and talented people. "

Yagyu promised: "Okay, Lord Guan Bai, don't worry, the formation of the cabinet will not happen overnight. Lord Guan Bai can carefully select first."

Nijō Saikyō left the Bingwei Mansion happily and went to discuss with Prince Asahiko and others.

On the other side, Hitotsubashi Keiki also sent Matsudaira Yongho to see Yagyu.

Within a few minutes of Yagyu seeing off Nijo Saikyo, the guards reported that Matsudaira Yōho was visiting.

Yagyu personally came to the door of the Bingwei Mansion and led Matsudaira Yongho to the living room to talk.

"Lord Guan Bai just came to see me about cabinet matters. He left just a few minutes ago."

Yagyu said the matter after Matsudaira Yongho sat down.

Matsudaira Yongho was a little embarrassed to speak, so he talked about things in Edo and asked about Tokugawa Iemo.

Yagyu was not in a hurry to speak. He showed a worried look and said: "The general's physical condition is not very good. If we go on an expedition, I'm worried that the general will not be able to hold on."

Matsudaira Rongbao's expression changed drastically and he said: "What? I really don't know the general's situation. If I had known this, I shouldn't have let the general go to Luo."

Yagyu really didn't know that it was Matsudaira Yongho who asked General Tokugawa Iemo to go to Luo. He was also very surprised, but he also knew that this was probably an unintentional move by Matsudaira Yongho.

He reassured: "Aizu-sama, don't worry too much. I have asked the chief physician Matsumoto Yoshijun to take care of the shogun's body. If everything goes well, the shogun will recover sooner."

Matsudaira Yongho still blamed himself a little and said: "I will write to Edo later and ask the general to rest in Edo. As for the general who conquered Choshu, I can let Hitotsubashi and others take his place."

Yagyu pretended to be confused and said, "Is this the only reason why Aizu-sama came to me?"

Only then did Matsudaira Yoho remember the purpose of his coming. He hesitated for a moment, thinking of Hitotsubashi Kei's instructions in his mind, but he still bit the bullet and said: "Prime Minister Yagyu wants to form a cabinet. I wonder if people from the shogunate can join?"

Yagyu nodded and said: "Of course, but I have something to say clearly. Those who join the cabinet must have some knowledge of Western countries, have certain talents, be non-corrupt, and perform their duties well. As long as these conditions are met, even if I won’t refuse anyone from the Choshu clan.”

Matsudaira Yongho said in surprise: "Changshu Domain can also do it?"

Yagyu stood up and walked to the door, pointing to the sky outside and said: "The imperial court is the imperial court for everyone in the world. The cabinet is willing to bring together the world's heroes to reform and revitalize the country."

Matsudaira Yongho was shocked by Yagyu's momentum. He said with some admiration: "I didn't expect that Prime Minister Yagyu's structure and broad-mindedness are so broad. No wonder, it is Prime Minister Yagyu who has the world in mind, and His Majesty the Emperor believes in you so much. After all, I am still not as good as Prime Minister Yagyu."

Yagyu looked at Matsudaira Yoshiho and said with respect: "Aizu-sama ignored the comfort of the feudal clan, for the sake of justice, regardless of danger, and came with the belief of death to stabilize the safety of Kyoto. I admire Aizu-sama very much.

If possible, I hope Aizu-sama can become my deputy prime minister. "

"This..." Matsudaira Yongho hesitated and said, "I'll think about it again."

(End of this chapter)