I started with the Shinsengumi in Bakumatsu

Chapter 265 A long conversation
Okubo Toshimichi nodded and said: "I will remember it. Don't worry, Duke, I will consider it carefully."

Yagyu Heeyan replied: "Prime Minister Okubo, to be honest, it is not in compliance with the procedures for me to designate you as the second prime minister. Of course, the results of the conference election will be like this. This is a situation caused by my efforts over the years.

I have led Japan to a prosperous side, but I have also brought a bad side to this country. Even if people try their best, they will never be perfect.

Fortunately, I am still young and can continue to protect Japan for at least twenty years, so I stepped down as prime minister and began to solve some of the problems I caused. "

Okubo Toshimichi said at the right time: "Your Majesty the Duke has a far-sighted vision, and I admire you very much."

Yagyu Shengyan shook his head slightly and said: "There is no need to say these polite words between you and me. You and I met in the turbulent era of the end of the Tokugawa period, each of us was his own master and fought against each other.

After all, you are also trying to save the country, and so am I. Because of this, you and I have become colleagues today, and those who care about Japan in vain for the sake of this domain have become a handful of dirt. "

Yagyu Heiyan's words brought Okubo Toshimichi's memory to the turbulent Tokugawa era. He remembered his partner Saigo Kinosuke, his boss Komatsu Kato, his old master Shimazu Saibin, etc., and he had mixed emotions for a while. List.

The past is over, everything has gone with the wind.

Okubo Toshimichi couldn't help but sigh: "Back then, I, Kyunosuke and others were defeated by the Duke many times. It was really shameful."

But now it is an established fact, so it cannot be changed. Next, it depends on what Okubo Toshimichi does.

After Okubo Toshimichi became Prime Minister, he became more strict in managing national affairs. Moreover, he did not like the way in which members of Congress always commented on the cabinet, and he also hated the group of civil rights parties dictating the country and inciting civilians to cause trouble.

When Okubo Toshimichi became prime minister, he would naturally arrange for his own ministers to be ministers. Shoyama Sakuma of the Ministry of Education retired, and Takayoshi Kido was appointed as the new minister. Naoyoshi Yamaguchi was the deputy minister of foreign affairs, Hirobumi Ito was the minister of the interior, and Hirobumi Ito was the minister of commerce and industry. Inoue Masaru served as the new minister, and the deputy defense minister was Saigo Yumichi.

His policy of colonization and industrial development is to use the power of state power, use various policies as leverage, use treasury funds to accelerate the process of primitive accumulation of capital, and use state-owned military enterprises as the leader to vigorously support Japanese capitalism in accordance with the examples of Western countries. growth.

For example, building railways and developing modern transportation and communication services such as shipping, postal services, telegraphs and telephones.

However, when it came to the civil rights movement, there were not many restrictions during Yagyu's reign, and he could only maintain the current situation for a while.

Now Okubo Toshimichi wants to implement his own reform policy, which is a policy based on his experience after studying abroad. In summary, it is to promote industry.

This is the end of the handover between you and me. From now on, it’s up to you, Prime Minister Okubo, don’t let me down. "

Yagyu Heeyan raised his hand and said: "When I talk about these old things today, I want to say that it is not easy for Japan to be what it is today. I don't know how many people have sacrificed their lives and blood to get where it is today, so you and I should work harder.

There are seven main aspects, namely transportation, agriculture, introduction of technology, industry, encouragement of scientific research, protection and support of capital, and foreign trade.

Another example is taking over the industrial and mining enterprises of the shogunate and various vassals, transforming and expanding them to form a state-owned enterprise system, and vigorously establishing various new modern enterprises called "model factories".

There are also various methods such as rewards and protection to encourage high-quality new products and inventions and innovations, and to promote advanced technologies.

Since his conversation with Okubo Toshimichi, Yagyu has basically ignored the affairs of the cabinet. He mainly communicated with Hijikata Toizo of Hokkaido to inquire about the progress.

In these seven aspects, Yagyu Higen was involved in all, and many policies were the same as those of Okubo Toshimichi.

In addition, Western agricultural technology, agricultural and animal husbandry varieties and management systems are introduced to promote agricultural development.

Okubo Toshimichi was relieved when he heard this. He did not want to be a puppet prime minister. Fortunately, Yagyu Hiyan meant to delegate power to him, so that he would not have to break with Yagyu Hiyan.

Hijikata Toshizo still couldn't help but advise Yagyu Heiyan that he should not step down as prime minister.

As for the Ministry of Defense Katsu Kaishu, the Army Department Yamanan Keisuke, the Navy Department Ryoma Sakamoto, the Ministry of Finance Tomohiro Fifth Generation and other departments are still part of the Yagyu party.

In the early stage, advanced Western technology and equipment were introduced, and the original technology and tools were transformed. At the same time, attention was paid to establishing civilian industries.

Fortunately, Yagyu Hee is still in the Congress, and those members have much less constraints on him.

I just hope that I can continue to be with Yagyu and his party.

But there is one thing. Yagyu Yoshigan's approach is completely opposite to Okubo Toshimichi.

That is why Okubo Toshimichi felt that profits should be given to capital to promote the development of private capitalists.

However, Yagyu suppressed and exploited capital and never let go of the constraints on capital.

For example, Yagyu Heiyan classified some core businesses as state-owned enterprises, mainly including food, energy, banking and other industries that affect the national economy.

However, Okubo Toshimichi felt that he only needed to keep special sectors such as military industry, minting, communications, railways, and printing in his hands, and the rest could be dealt with cheaply to privileged big capitalists such as Mitsui, Mitsubishi, Kawasaki, and Furukawa.

His idea is to implement a policy of vigorously supporting and protecting private capitalism, which is in contrast to Yagyu Hiken's policy of capitalist industrialization led by state-owned enterprises.

His idea was supported by Hirobumi Ito, Eiichi Shibusawa and others. After all, they had studied in Europe and had seen those powerful capitalists.

They felt that it was the pursuit of interests by these capitalists that made Britain and France stronger, so they yearned for it.

But Yagyu Heiyan knows the bad nature of capitalism.

When Okubo Toshimichi saw Shibusawa Eiichi, a group of five generation friends from the Yagyu Party who agreed with his views, he decided to reform business and give profits to capitalists.

Such as power plants, mining and other industries.

However, this matter was opposed by Shuntaro Ogata, who immediately said: "The Duke should be asked about this matter!"

Ogata Shuntaro is a person from the old times. In his mind, Yagyu Hien's resignation means living in seclusion. Although he is no longer the head of the family, he is a reclusive adult.

Therefore, when the new head of the family implements the new policy, veterans like him naturally have to defend it, and they also have to ask for instructions from the reclusive master, Yagyu Hien.

This is why the old saying goes that once the emperor and his ministers collide, the collision of old and new ideas will naturally lead to the mutual repulsion of power.

But not everyone is of the same mind.

Shibusawa Eiichi frowned and said: "I am the deputy prime minister and Okubo-sama is the prime minister. Both of us think it is okay, so why bother asking the Duke?"

Ogata Shuntaro immediately said: "The Duke once said that capitalists are gluttons who can't get enough to eat. They are selfish and can betray the country for greed. These people must be controlled and the capitalists must not be allowed to lose control!

You are now going to give profits to the capitalists. This is against the Duke's policy. I will never allow you to do this! "

Okubo Toshimichi looked a little embarrassed. He really didn't want to see other people's voices in his cabinet.

But Yagyu Heiyan is a big mountain. "I understand. I will go with Lord Shibusawa to see the Duke and state our reasons."

Okubo Toshimichi immediately ended the cabinet meeting, and then visited the Yagyu residence with Shibusawa Eiichi.

In the study, Yagyu Heiyan listened to the two people's narratives and understood their demands, and said: "Your starting point is good, and you do want to support business practices, but this is different from supporting capitalists."

If there are only two words in a sentence, it means there are different opinions.

Okubo Toshimichi and Shibusawa Eiichi felt a little heavy.

Yagyu Heeyan continued: “We can provide some policies to support business, but it cannot be so direct, and we cannot give away key industries.

For industries that affect national stability, the government must strengthen control and prevent private monopoly. As for industries that have little impact, it can be given free rein to the people.

As for what should be let go and what should be held in hand, I have actually given you the answer.

But I can say it again here today. State-owned companies such as power plants, petroleum and coal energy companies, central banks, granaries, etc. are the ones that the state should strictly control. As for the rest, it is up to you to make your own arrangements. "

Okubo Toshimichi couldn't help but said: "But the British and French countries are not like this."

Yangyu Heeyan replied: "Each country's national conditions are different. We cannot directly apply the experience of other countries. Only what suits us is the best.

Businessmen pursue profit, and few people will hold back the greed in their hearts. These capitalists will ignore the interests of the country for the sake of greed.

The country needs capital for development, but it cannot be counterattacked by capital. "

Yagyu Heiyan saw a video in which capital was compared to a fire. When people needed to get close to the fire to keep warm, they would add more firewood. people.

This metaphor is very vivid, and it tells us that people's economic activities are inseparable from capital, and only capital can make economic activities active.

But allowing the disorderly development and expansion of capital will eventually destroy everything.

Therefore, it is necessary to limit capital and control the size of the fire to ensure that the fire can keep people warm without burning the people who are heating it.

Therefore, Yagyu Heyan advocates that the state dominates capital, restrains capital, and controls capital, rather than letting private capital engulf the country.

Yagyu Kigeon's opinions are very important because he can dominate Emperor Meiji's political tendencies. Furthermore, it has been eleven years since he received Emperor Xiaomei's support for the reform in 1865.

He no longer has the position of prime minister, but his power is still there, his cronies and followers are still there, and his prestige is still there.

No one can ignore the existence of Yagyu Heiyan.

However, Yagyu Heiyan did not dictate too much. He also gave Okubo Toshimichi and others room to perform on their own.

The domestic situation is now very good, and people's lives are also getting better. Although many people are still struggling to have enough food and clothing, it is much better than the days before when they could not even eat whole grains.

After all, state-owned grain companies import grain from abroad and sell it cheaply, which makes up for the shortcomings of domestic grain self-sufficiency.

This person is full of warmth and lustful thoughts. When he is full, he has nothing to do and can always come up with all kinds of things.

The nation had just emerged from the chaotic era at the end of the Tokugawa period. Many people stood on the cusp of the storm and became rich, while others lost money overnight on the stock exchange.

And those who are struggling for survival are working day and night in factories and fields. In textile factories, steel plants, mines, and construction sites, everyone is shedding tears and overdrafting their bodies.

They earned meager wages, ate inferior food, and lived in shabby rooms.

Although they are in the same country, the living environment is completely different.

No matter what slogan Yagyu Heiyan shouted before, Japan is like this under his governance.

He had already built the frame, and all that was left to do now was to sew and mend it.

Now, he is just an aristocratic parliamentarian, no longer the prime minister, and does not need to take care of domestic affairs, so he is free.

Just because he had time, he thought he could do something else to enrich people's lives.

Over the past eleven years, the literacy rate of people in Kyoto has continued to increase and has reached 25%. This means that out of the three million people in Kyoto, 750,000 are literate.

This is a good foundation for promoting entertainment and sports.

The easiest place to start is the entertainment industry.

Due to the development of the times, only nobles could watch Noh dramas in the past, while ordinary people could only watch them during holidays.

At that time, a group of people gathered at the temple to watch Noh plays on important holidays. This was their happiest time.

Noh plays are now appearing on the streets, and citizens can go and watch them during their daily lives.

As for the nobles, they no longer watch Noh plays. They all go to the Imperial Opera House built by Emperor Meiji to watch European-style operas.

Because Emperor Meiji loved European culture, the hobbies of the nobles naturally tended to be Western-oriented.

Moreover, the aristocrats have two sets of family education, Japanese and European.

For example, young ladies from aristocratic families not only have to learn traditional beauties, flower arrangements, etiquette, etc., but they also have to learn Western etiquette and fashion from female teachers.

This is not the case in Yagyu Heiyan's family. Unlike other nobles, his eldest son Jubei has a private tutor at home. Jubei studies at the public Teito Elementary School, and his daughter Yagyu Yanzi will also enter. Studying at Imperial Girls' School.

In addition to daily studies, Yagyu Jubei will also learn kendo from Okita Souji.

Because Yanagi Yagyu resigned as prime minister, the government naturally had to withdraw the escort team. Okita Souji was promoted to the position of senior superintendent in the Metropolitan Police Department because of his meritorious service in the escort.

However, Okita Souji would continue to teach Yagyu Jubei the swordsmanship after get off work at the Yagyu residence.

When he is free, Yagyu Heigan can also teach Yagyu Jubei the swordsmanship.

Thinking of this, Yagyu Heiyan decided to hold a national kendo competition. The country's traditions still need to be protected.

(End of this chapter)