I started with the Shinsengumi in Bakumatsu

Chapter 262 Arrangement
Although Goto Shojiro could see it clearly, part of him was stunned by the news.

For example, the Constitutional Party in Edo, the Reform Constitutional Party in Osaka, the Liberal Party of the civilian wealthy businessmen, etc., they are really gearing up to compete for the position of prime minister.

According to Yagyu Heiyan, they have one year to prepare.

The Constitutionalists were royalists, and their idea was to keep power in public hands.

The Improvement Constitutional Party hopes to change the current business environment, expand the power of businessmen, and enhance their status.

As for the demands of the Liberal Party, they are similar to those of the Improved Constitutional Party, but they prefer civilians rather than financial groups.

As for the other parties, they are all small factions and can only serve as subordinates to the four major parties.

Of course, these opposition parties are not the only ones coveting the position of prime minister. The forces within the government are also ready to make moves.

For example, the royalist faction, which was composed of internal officials and public officials, belonged to the Tokugawa shogunate faction.

At this moment, everyone was in a turbulent mood and could not calm down for a long time.

After Yagyu announced his decision, he asked Matsudaira Yongho to end the parliamentary session.

Tokugawa was relieved when he heard this. He somewhat understood Yagyu Heiyan's arrangement. When the time comes, Yagyu Heiyan will retreat and continue to control the second prime minister.

Yagyu Heeyan is actually resigning. This is a great opportunity!

He now very much hopes that Yagyu Higen can choose Okubo Toshimichi as the next prime minister. At that time, he can use his relationship with Okubo Toshimichi to promote the strategy of conquering Korea.

Okubo Toshimichi really couldn't figure it out. He asked: "Prime Minister, our country is now stable externally and prosperous internally. This is the time for you to show your strength. Why do you choose to step down at this time?"

The corner of Liu Shengxi's mouth raised slightly, and he already had a good grasp of this matter.

Yagyu Heiyan made a series of arrangements. Although he will step down, the key positions in the cabinet and government belong to him. He only loses the position of prime minister in name.

Tokugawa Yingxi smiled slightly and said: "This matter is a foregone conclusion, but we cannot underestimate the enemy. Everyone should be more honest these days and don't let Yagyu Hiyan discover any heresy.

……

If I am greedy for the position of prime minister and stay in this position for decades, and everyone in the future imitates me and becomes a powerful minister, then won’t the regulations in the Constitution become empty talk? Then all my previous efforts would be in vain. "

Kido Takayun admired Yagyu Higen very much. After all, he saw Japan step by step in the hands of Yagyu Hiken and became strong and powerful, becoming the number one country in East Asia, even the Qing Dynasty was nothing more than that.

Shibata Gozhong smiled and said: "When it is rare that Yagyu Hee commits a serious crime, we must seize the opportunity."

Yagyu Heiyan also takes this relationship into consideration. Although he will step down as prime minister, it does not mean that he will let others change his policies.

Yokoi Konan nodded and said: "Prime Minister, you really have good intentions, but you will only be an aristocratic member of Parliament. I am worried that the old ministers of the shogunate will have other ideas."

I plan to appoint you Li Tong as the next Prime Minister. After all, you are most familiar with my policies. "

After listening to Yagyu Hiyan's arrangements, everyone else had the same idea. Without Yagyu Hiyan's sky to cover them, everyone wanted to become the blue sky of Japan.

Kido Takayoshi is still working in the cabinet, mainly cooperating with Okubo Toshimichi in handling government affairs. The relationship between the two is very close.

However, he did not say it clearly. He could wait a little longer and cultivate his own inner circle.

Although he admired Yagyu Nozomi, it did not mean that he would become his fan. He always believed in the Japanese Empire advocated by his teacher Yoshida Shoin.

Okubo Toshimichi is a little excited, the next step is to become the Prime Minister! This is one step closer to his dream, he is a man who wants to be the iron-blooded prime minister!
Yagyu Heiyan continued to arrange: "When Toshimichi becomes prime minister, Eiichi will be the deputy prime minister, and the finance minister will be left to the fifth generation. As for the Ministry of Defense, the Army Ministry, and the Navy Ministry, the rest will be arranged by yourself. Bar."

Kido Takayun was shocked when he heard the news that Yagyu Hiyan personally said that he would resign. He really did not expect that anyone would hand over the power in his hands.

The tallest representative of the two factions is Kido Takayun.

……

The news that Yagyu Yoshihide will step down next year instantly spread throughout Kyoto, and the forces that had been suppressed by Yagyu Yoshihide for ten years became active again.

He continued: "In the next term, I will step down as prime minister and then join the House of Lords as a member of the House of Lords."

Yagyu Heeyan shook his head and said: "Of course not. By then, I will only be a member of the House of Nobles."

"Toshimichi, I am a pioneer in practicing New Japan, changing the national system, establishing a constitution, and establishing a parliament. Every step of the way is to establish a new system.

Tokugawa Qingxi's expression changed. Didn't he agree that he would be the next Speaker of the National Assembly?
He immediately gave the others a look.

When the prime ministerial election is held, we can contact Iwakura Tomoshi and the Constitutional Party to improve these people and let them become our help. "

Shibata stood up immediately and asked: "After becoming a member of the Diet, Prime Minister, will you run for Speaker of the National Assembly?"

Okubo Toshimichi's excitement eased a lot. He discovered that he, the Prime Minister, was actually similar to the Deputy Prime Minister, and the real chess player was Yagyu Hien.

Especially the Korean Conquest Party. Those members of the Korean Conquest Party scattered all over the country quickly gathered together. They were mainly supporters of the Mito doctrine or students of Yoshida Shoin.

Xiaosu Zhongshun said happily: "Our days are almost over. Lord Tokugawa can cultivate more power as the speaker of the Diet, and then he can fight for the position of the third prime minister."

But how can a person who becomes prime minister be willing to do so? As long as he, the Speaker of the National Assembly, unites with the new Prime Minister, he will be able to use the rules set by Yagyu Heiyan to fight!
At this moment, he felt that his time was coming.

The second prime minister must be the successor of all his policies.

When everyone heard this, some of the higher-ups quickly calmed down.

Kido Takayun said to the conquest party members: "Don't worry, the more this time comes, the more patient we must be. I will definitely promote the conquest of Korea and the Japanese Empire!"

In particular, no one can threaten his position as Yagyu Heeyan, and no one can force him to make such a decision, only he can.

In the Tokugawa mansion, the old ministers of the shogunate gathered together to hold a banquet to celebrate Tokugawa's birthday.

After the National Assembly adjourned, Yagyu Nozomi returned to his office, and ministers such as Toshimichi Okubo, Kokusu Yokoi, and Eiichi Shibusawa came to the Prime Minister's Office one after another.

He waved his hand and said: "Don't worry about these things, you just need to follow my plan.

Xiaosu Zhongshun immediately flattered him and said, "Master Tokugawa is wise!"

Although Tokugawa Keiki was bold this time, he was surprisingly steady. In the final analysis, Yagyu Heeyan was too powerful.

……

Yagyu Heiyan didn't care about the turmoil he caused. He had started arranging this matter three years ago, and all these excitements were planned.

Now he has to do the last thing before leaving office.

He notified Wudai Youhou and asked him to summon the dozens of presidents who went to the Qing Dynasty to open foreign trade companies.

Fifth generation Tomohiro immediately followed Yagyu Heiyan's instructions to notify Mitsubishi, Kochi, Sumitomo and other companies.

On this day, wealthy businessmen gathered in front of the Kyoto Hotel. Everyone greeted each other and discussed today's events. At this time, the sound of an engine came from the street.

In the distance, a luxurious three-wheeled motorcycle was seen approaching. Yataro Iwasaki was sitting in a sidecar with a cigar in his mouth, looking very arrogant.

The motorcycle stopped in front of the hotel. Iwasaki Yataro glanced at several businessmen, hummed slightly, and got off the motorcycle.

When everyone saw such arrogant Yataro Iwasaki, they dared not speak out. After all, Yataro Iwasaki cooperated with the government, and there were rumors that Navy Minister Sakamoto Ryoma was a good brother of Yataro Iwasaki.

Since ancient times, the people have not fought with officials, especially since the new government suppressed collusion between officials and businessmen, they naturally did not dare to offend Yataro Iwasaki.

Yataro Iwasaki strode into the hotel and was immediately led to the lobby on the second floor by the waiter inside.

Hongchi, Sumitomo, Mitsui and other wealthy merchants had already arrived, and they were sitting there, discussing in low voices.

Others held wine glasses and wandered around looking for someone to chat with.

Among them, Yataro Iwasaki saw a woman holding a business card to sell.

He said with some disdain: "Can women also do business?"

Grover next to him reminded: "Boss, that woman is the proprietress of Kanoya. Through government connections, they bought two coal mines from Kyushu and made a lot of money.

Now the owner of Kanoya, Shiraoka Qian, is very famous in the industry, and I heard that she wants to take over the Shiraoka family's ancestral business. "

"Ancestral inheritance, what ancestral inheritance?"

Yataro Iwasaki was a little in disbelief.

Glover explained: "Shirogane planned to open a commercial bank."

Yataro Iwasaki said disdainfully: "I dare to think about it. The commercial bank license is the most difficult to obtain, even if you have money, it is useless. At least you need someone with connections in the government."

Glover reminded: "Boss, you guessed wrong. Kanoya itself is a bank. When the bank was restructured, the license was issued, so Shiraoka Qian does not need to take this step to start a bank."

"Damn it!"

Iwasaki Yataro was too envious of these guys who opened banks.

Soon, Shiraoka Qian came over with his business card and saluted: "Hello, this is the first time we meet. My name is Shiraoka Qian. I am the boss of Kano Mine and Kano Commercial Bank. Please take good care of me in the future."

Iwasaki Yataro took the business card with one hand and said with a slightly scrutinizing gaze, "Shiroga Asa? Can women also do business?"

Shirogane Qian is not a weak character, otherwise she wouldn't be showing off among a group of men.

She responded unceremoniously: "Of course, Mr. Iwasaki, women can also do business."

When Yataro Iwasaki saw that he was in trouble, he felt a little unwilling and said: "But there are not many women who can do business. Now I only see you."

Shirogane said in a gentle tone: "Thank you Mr. Iwasaki for the compliment."

While they were chatting, these people also arrived, and Wudai Youhou was the first to leave the factory.

"Everyone, everyone must be here for something when we gather together today. This matter is very important to Japan, so the Prime Minister has to personally arrange it."

"what?"

"The Prime Minister is coming too?"

"What on earth is this for?"

Hongchi, the bosses of several Sumitomo companies were frightened.

You must know that twelve or thirteen years ago, during the Era of the Tokugawa Period, Yagyu Kien was just the leader of the Shinsengumi, in charge of the security of the first district. He lacked funds, so he used coercion and inducement to extract a lot of gold and silver from them.

Several people were very worried that Yagyu Shengxi would repeat his old tricks, and they felt uneasy.

On the contrary, Shiraoka Qian looked forward with interest. This was the first time she had close contact with this legendary prime minister.

Soon, Yagyu Heeyan walked into the hall.

He held up a glass of red wine and said: "Everyone, first of all, I would like to congratulate you for making a lot of money by going to the Qing Dynasty. However, everyone must remember not to evade taxes. Paying taxes to the country is what every Japanese citizen should do." fulfill their obligations.”

"What the Prime Minister said is absolutely correct."

"We must abide by the law!"

"Whoever wants to evade taxes is not Japanese."

Everyone catered to Yagyu Hiyan and raised their glasses to toast Yagyu Hiyan.

Yagyu Heiyan drank a little, and the others drank all their glasses. As for Shiraoka Qian, he just took a sip.

This made many people think it was a joke.

Yagyu Heiyan did not pay attention to these trivial matters. He went on to say: "In order to trade with the Qing Dynasty, the government has made a lot of efforts. In particular, we have had several conflicts with the British. Now, the dust has settled for the time being. deal.

The country supports you to make money through foreign trade, and of course it also hopes that you can feed back your motherland. In order to develop industry, the country needs a lot of coal, iron and oil.

Everyone who imports these raw materials from the Qing Dynasty should not be too greedy when selling them to the country. "

Everyone listened to Yagyu Heeyan's gentle words, but they felt a sense of oppression.

Iwasaki Yataro immediately expressed his position: "What the Prime Minister said is absolutely true. What I like the most about the Prime Minister is that we only make limited profits, and repaying the motherland is what we should do."

Konoike and Sumitomo's presidents only felt hateful when they saw Yataro Iwasaki's face. They had only one thought in their minds, and that was that there was a traitor among us.

They cursed loudly in their hearts, and they cursed Yataro Iwasaki.

It is natural for businessmen to make money, why should the government ask them!
It's just that they dared to be angry but dared not speak out. Facing Yagyu Shengxi's stern gaze, they all gave in and expressed their stance, and no one dared to object.

Seeing that these people were quite honest, Liu Shengxi decided to give some sweet dates. He said: "Don't worry, the country will remember your contribution. You can get some tax benefits for your trade."

Yataro Iwasaki immediately flattered him and said, "The Prime Minister is really a saint with a kind heart!"

The other presidents immediately followed suit.

Although most people are not sincere, as long as they do things according to their own requirements, Yagyu Heiyan will not care about their intentions.

There is no need to have such high moral requirements for businessmen, as long as they can abide by the rules.

(End of this chapter)