Anti-Qing: Starting from the Jintian Uprising

Chapter 506: Mu Ren is captured
William I understood what Bismarck meant.

He asked with a frown.

"Your Excellency the Prime Minister, do you mean that Prussia should participate in this coalition?"

"But what if France takes advantage of this coalition to become more powerful?"

You know, Prussia was the backbone of the anti-French alliance back then.

Although the relationship between the two parties is not so bad that they will never have any contact with each other, their status is still incompatible.

Bismarck smiled and said calmly.

"Your Majesty, I think this is a problem that Britain should worry about, not a problem that we Prussia should worry about."

"When Britain formed the anti-French alliance, it gave us Prussia a lot of benefits!"

Upon hearing this, William I stroked his chin thoughtfully.

What Bismarck said makes sense!
The stronger France becomes, the more likely it is that Britain will support Prussia in order to balance the European continent.

If Prussia could get support from Britain after France became stronger, then it would not be impossible for Prussia to unify the German Confederation.

Thinking of this, William I laughed and said.

"Haha, good! Good! Good!"

“The Prime Minister is right.”

"In that case, this matter will be handed over to the Prime Minister to communicate with Tang and France."

William I couldn't help but fantasize.

If Prussia could get a share of the profits from the huge North American market after the war, then Prussia's industry would really begin to explode.

Bismarck saw this and spoke.

"Your Majesty, there is one more thing."

William I was in a good mood and just said.

"Your Excellency the Prime Minister, please speak!"

Bismarck saw this and spoke.

"Your Majesty, I think we in Prussia can take this opportunity to organize a coalition to get closer to the Tang Kingdom, or even seek an alliance."

Upon hearing this, William I showed an interested expression on his face.

"Why do you say that, Prime Minister?"

Bismarck saw this and spoke.

"If we in Prussia want to develop and unify the German Confederation, our own strength alone is not enough."

"We have to seek help from outside!"

"Tang or Britain are both good choices. Their national strength is very strong. If we can get their help, Prussia's development will definitely be on the fast track."

"Compared to Britain, I actually prefer the Tang Kingdom..."

The expression on William I's face became more and more interested, and he wanted to see if Bismarck could name a flower.

Bismarck continued.

"The UK is too close to us. In addition, the UK has to balance the situation on the European continent. In many areas, we actually have conflicts of interest with the UK. The British are unlikely to give us much support."

"But Tang is different. It is too far away from Europe."

"They cannot interfere in the situation in Europe. If the two countries form an alliance, the best way for Tang to maintain its influence in Europe is to support us..."

Well, if this happened in ancient China, it would be called making friends with distant countries and attacking nearby ones!

Prussia could get support from the Tang Dynasty, and the Tang Dynasty could also expand its influence in Europe through Prussia.

William I touched his chin thoughtfully and then spoke.

"Your Excellency the Prime Minister is right. This is indeed a solution."

"How about this, the Prime Minister will send someone to contact the Tang Kingdom to discuss this matter."

Bismarck heard this and nodded to show that he understood.

……

Japan!

Kyoto Port!
British Minister to Japan Bezov stands on the deck of a ship.

Next to him was Mu Ren, who was dressed in ordinary businessman's clothes.

Mutsuhito stood on the deck of the ship, holding the railing, looking out at the Kyoto Port in the distance.

Looking at the Tang Dynasty ships coming and going in the Kyoto Port and the Tang Dynasty flag flying over the Kyoto Tang Concession, there was a blazing flame in his eyes.

Mutsuhito swore that when he returned from studying in England one day, he would lead Japan to overthrow the rule of the shogunate, expel the invasion of the Tang people, and lead Japan to rise and become a world power.

Britain can dominate the world with the power of one island, and Japan may be able to repeat Britain's glory in the future.

"Your Excellency the Crown Prince, can we set off now?"

Bezov looked at the dwarf beside him with a smile and spoke.

After the Japanese side proposed to send the Emperor's son to study in the UK, Bezov agreed immediately.

He also said that he could help Mu Ren enter the best school in Da Ying!

As for why Mu Ren wanted to study in the UK?

Bezov doesn't care.

He only knew that by doing this, he could cause trouble for the Tang Dynasty.

In order to add fuel to the fire, even though the current Japanese emperor has abdicated, Bezov still insists on calling Mutsuhito the Crown Prince.

The purpose is to remind Mu Ren not to forget the national humiliation!
As I said, the Tang Dynasty and Britain were rivals, even enemies.

It is impossible to say that both sides will give up their hostility because of the common goal of the United States.

It is only normal that the British would choose to cause trouble for the Tang Dynasty.

Mu Ren withdrew his gaze and nodded to Bezov beside him.

"Okay, Your Excellency, let's go!"

“I want to go to England as soon as possible!”

As far as Mutsuhito knew, the shogunate was still using the assassination of the Tang ambassador as an excuse to carry out a massive purge of the anti-shogunate faction.

The shogunate and the Tang Dynasty were also escalating the interrogation of Prince Komatsunoki Akihito.

Mutsuhito was afraid that he would be implicated in the matter, so he wanted to leave Japan and go to England as soon as possible.

In his opinion, as long as he went to Britain, the Tang Dynasty would not be able to reach him.

In this way, you will be safe.

Bezov said with a shrug.

"Of course, my dear Crown Prince."

Soon, with Bezov's order, the ship weighed anchor and set sail, leaving the port and heading south.

Mutsuhito then stood on the deck and looked towards his homeland for a while.

Finally, he turned around and returned to the cabin.

As the crown prince, Mutsuhito certainly received preferential treatment.

Unlike the others on the ship, he had a cabin all to himself.

Back in the cabin, Mutsuhito sat down on the tatami and the waiter brought him sushi and sake.

Mutsuhito frowned as he looked at the sushi and sake in front of him.

"I don't want to eat sushi today. Let's have a bowl of udon instead."

Seeing this, the servant had no choice but to take the sushi away and prepare new food for Mutsuhito.

Soon, the udon noodles were served and Mutsuhito started eating happily.

While eating noodles, Mu Ren thought about what he should do in the future.

Just at this moment, there was a sudden noise outside the cabin.

Mu Ren put down the half-eaten noodles and walked out.

Soon, he saw Minister Bezov on the deck who had also come out to check the situation.

"Your Excellency, what happened?"

Mutsuhito asked.

Bezov heard this and shook his head.

"I do not know either!"

But just as he finished speaking, a sailor came to report.

"Your Excellency, something has happened."

"A Tang patrol boat blocked our way and asked us to stop for inspection."

Hearing this, Bezov couldn't help but frown, wondering what had happened.

But after hearing this, Mu Ren's face turned pale.

At this moment, there was only one thought left in his mind.

That means you are exposed, you are exposed!

The Tang Dynasty sent people to arrest me!
Thinking of this, Mu Ren said to Bezov with fear on his face.

"Your Excellency, the ship cannot stop!"

"We have to leave quickly!"

"Those Tang people are coming for me!"

Bezov had a confused look on his face.

It seems to be saying, what can you do?
Seeing this, Mu Ren had no choice but to grit his teeth and tell his story again in a low voice.

Then, he saw the expression on Bezov's face change, and he immediately turned around and said.

"Send a message to the control room, let the ship go at full speed and get rid of the Tang patrol boat..."

However, just as Bezov finished his words, he saw several black spots appearing at the junction of the sea and the sky in the distance.

Several black spots quickly enlarged, and the outlines of each ship appeared.

When Bezov saw this, he instantly realized that he could not leave.

Mu Ren grabbed Bezov's sleeve and said urgently.

"Your Excellency, let's go, let's go!"

Bezov shook his head.

"Your Excellency the Crown Prince, I'm sorry, but we can't leave."

"The few ships that have appeared over there are Tang's special anti-smuggling patrol ships, and they are equipped with the latest steam turbine systems."

"The ship is much faster than us!"

"We can't get rid of them..."

When Mu Ren heard this, his face instantly turned pale.

At this time, the samurai on the ship and the international students from the powerful southwestern fiefdoms all stepped forward.

"Don't worry, Your Highness the Crown Prince. We will protect you!"

"Protect His Royal Highness the Crown Prince at all costs!"

"Kill! There's nothing to be afraid of those Tang people!"

"..."

Mutsuhito saw this and forced a smile on his face.

But his expression was still stiff, and his eyes were still filled with despair!
Although these warriors were loyal and brave, the Tang people all had guns.

How can a knife be faster than a gun?

Thinking of this, Mu Ren turned his gaze to Bezov standing beside him.

Soon, several patrol and anti-smuggling ships of the Tang Dynasty forced Bezov's ship to stop.

As the gangway was lowered, people from the Tang Dynasty boarded the ship.

Bezov took the initiative to greet him.

"Everyone, I am Bezov, the British Minister to Japan. I wonder why you are stopping my ship?"

Upon hearing this, the Tang Dynasty officer in charge asked expressionlessly.

"Where's Mutsuhito?"

"Hand him over, and you can let him go."

When Bezos heard this, he wanted to pretend to be confused, but the other party spoke directly.

"Don't play dumb. We saw Mu Ren bring people onto your ship with our own eyes."

Bezov shrugged and pointed to the cabin helplessly.

"People are in the cabin!"

Seeing this, several Tang army soldiers who were on board the ship immediately rushed into the cabin.

But as soon as they entered the cabin, their vision suddenly went dark as they went from light to darkness.

Before they could adjust to the current light, they heard a burst of gunfire.

boom!Boom!

A burst of gunfire rang out from deep in the corridor of the cabin. Several Tang soldiers were shot and fell backwards.

"Lie down!"

"Everyone lie down, the enemy has a gun, resist arrest, be ready to fight back!"

Accompanied by a loud shout, several Tang army soldiers who rushed into the cabin fell forward and fell to the ground.

Then draw your gun and shoot!

The other people following behind them also dispersed immediately and hid on both sides of the hatch. Then they stretched out their pistols, pointed the muzzles at the people walking inside and opened fire, without aiming at all, just suppressing the enemies in the aisle with firepower.

Although these Tang army soldiers were a bit reckless at the beginning, their professionalism was definitely impeccable.

Faced with the enemy's sudden attack, they reacted quickly and made corresponding responses.

No panic at all!

Upon seeing this, the Tang army officer who had boarded the ship's side grabbed Bezov, who was watching the fun, by the collar and roared loudly.

"Why didn't you tell me they had guns?!"

Bezov shrugged and said indifferently.

“You didn’t even ask!”

When the Tang army officer saw this, his face twitched involuntarily. He pushed Bezov hard and said.

"Everyone, those wearing bulletproof vests stand in the front, with grenades providing cover, come at me!"

As soon as the military order was given, the Tang army soldiers reacted instantly.

One after another, drawn grenades were thrown into the cabin.

boom! Boom boom!

Several explosions sounded in succession.

Then, under the cover of the smoke produced by the explosion, the Tang army soldiers rushed into the cabin one after another.

Then keep pulling the trigger and shooting!
Amid the sounds of gunfire, screams were heard from deep within the cabin.

"Hurry up!"

"Push forward!"

The Japanese deeper in the corridor were also firing back.

For a moment, bullets were flying in the cabin corridor, and screams and the sound of bullets were heard from time to time.

But in the end, the Tang army soldiers rushed to the outside of the cabin where Mu Ren was.

There were several bodies lying on the ground, and blood was flowing all over the place.

But the hatch was closed at this time.

These Tang army soldiers were unable to determine how many enemies were inside, and for a moment they did not dare to launch an attack rashly.

"fry!"

"Blow the door open with a grenade!"

A soldier suggested.

Everyone nodded, and the man who spoke took out a grenade, stuffed it into the gap between the door handle and the door, and then pulled the string.

Everyone quickly retreated to both sides of the aisle to avoid being affected by the grenade explosion.

A loud bang was heard in the cabin, and the door was blown inwards and into the cabin.

A few Japanese soldiers who were hiding behind the door and preparing for a sneak attack didn't have time to react at all and were knocked down by the blown-away hatch.

It's just broken bones and tendons!

In addition, the rest of the people in the cabin were also stunned by the explosion.

Before they could react, a group of Tang army soldiers rushed in from outside and took them all under control.

……

"Captain, Mutsuhito has been caught."

"But many of our brothers were killed or wounded..."

A Tang army soldier came to report to the captain.

The captain's expression darkened when he heard this, but he still spoke.

"How much exactly?"

The captain of the Tang army asked questions.

Upon hearing this, the Tang army soldier said with a slightly ugly expression.

"Three dead and six injured!"

"It's a good thing we were wearing bulletproof vests and helmets, otherwise there would be more casualties..."

The captain's face darkened when he heard this.

He turned around and glared fiercely at Bezov who was doing evil things beside him, and then said.

"Brothers who died in the battle, please behave yourself. I will take credit for them later."

"The injured must be treated with all possible means..."

"Well, let's return to Kyoto Port as soon as possible. The medical conditions in Kyoto Port are definitely much better than those on our ship."

Having said this, the officer turned his head and looked at Bezov, then said.

"Also, take this British ship back to me."

Upon hearing this, Bezov quickly spoke.

"Hey, sir."

"I am the British Minister to Japan. This ship is only a British public ship. You have no right to detain it."

The Tang army officer who led the team just spoke expressionlessly upon hearing this.

"You are shielding a criminal from the Tang Dynasty!"

"That's enough!"

"If you are not satisfied, you can appeal to the higher authorities!"

Upon hearing this, Bezov sneered and said to the officer in front of him.

"I hope you can bear the consequences of destroying the friendship between Tang and Britain."

The officer sneered in response.

"I am waiting for the Minister to report me to the higher authorities!"

He is also very angry now!

In his opinion, if Bezos didn't intend to do anything bad.

Why did they cause so many casualties when they captured Mu Ren?
……

Kyoto, the royal residence!
Ever since the Japanese Emperor was forced to abdicate the throne under the imperial decree of the Tang Emperor, the Imperial Palace was renamed the Royal Palace.

Xiaoming sat on a tatami, drinking tea and eating snacks.

There was visible worry on his face.

It was not long ago that he had sent Mu Ren away, but when he thought that his son had to go to a foreign country to avoid disaster, Xiaoming couldn't help but feel worried.

Due to his worries, even his favorite chrysanthemum tea now tasted bland.

But at this moment, a chaotic sound of footsteps suddenly came from outside.

Iwakura Tomomi and Sanjo Sanemi trotted to the outside of the flower hall and spoke with anxious looks on their faces.

"Your Majesty, Your Majesty, something terrible has happened!"

Although the Japanese emperor has now abdicated the throne, in private, these people are still accustomed to calling Komei the emperor rather than the king.

Naturally, the Tang Dynasty would not fuss over such trivial matters, and would adhere to the principle that officials would not correct matters unless the people reported them.

Or it can be said that if things are not weighed, they are not as heavy as four ounces, and if they are weighed, they are not as heavy as a thousand pounds.

However, the Tang Dynasty has the final say on when to take the scale!
Normally, Japan would say that the Tang Dynasty doesn't care, but if the Tang Dynasty really wants to use force against Japan one day, today's talk would be the best reason to use force.

When Xiaoming heard this, the hand holding the teacup shook involuntarily, but he still forced himself to ask.

"What do you look like in a panic?"

"Tell me slowly, what happened?"

Iwakura Tomomi and Sanjo Sanemi looked at each other, and finally it was Iwakura Tomomi who spoke.

"To reply to His Majesty the Emperor, this is what happened."

"The latest news came back from the Kyoto Port. Not long after His Highness Mutsuhito's ship left the port, it was taken back by the Tang Army's anti-smuggling ship..."

When Emperor Komei heard this, the expression on his face suddenly froze.

With a loud bang, the teacup in his hand fell directly onto the tatami in front of him.

The tea in the cup completely wet the hem of Xiaoming's clothes.

"This...what on earth is going on?"

Although Emperor Komei could guess that the reason why the Tang Dynasty sent people to arrest people was most likely because Mutsuhito's secrets were exposed.

But he still had a glimmer of hope in his heart.

Hopefully it’s something else!

Iwakura Tomomi heard this and just shook his head.

"To reply to His Majesty the Emperor, we don't know the specific reason either."

"The Tang Dynasty has not yet announced the reason for the arrest. It is not even clear whether the Tang Dynasty seized the ship because of His Highness Mutsuhito or because of the British envoy."

On that detained ship was not only Mu Ren, but also the British Minister.

It’s really hard to say who committed the crime at the moment!

When Xiaoming heard this, the expression on his face suddenly changed and he became obviously lonely.

He took a deep breath.

"Iwakura-kun, prepare the car immediately. I want to go to Edo to meet the Tang ambassador!"

Although Xiaoming knew that the Tang Dynasty would most likely not let Mu Ren go, he still wanted to try to plead for mercy.

This is the only son that Xiaoming has now!

If Mutsuhito is gone, who will inherit his throne?
How could Xiaoming not panic?

……

Edo!

Tang Dynasty Embassy!
Zhao Xinpei is tasting Sukiyaki, a Japanese specialty.

The sweet taste made him miss it very much.

"This sukiyaki is good. It would be even better if it could be paired with some rice wine."

Zhao Xinpei said with a smile.

Opposite him was Ando Nobumasa, the senior councilor of the Tokugawa shogunate.

Nobumasa Ando picked up a piece of beef with chopsticks, dipped it in egg liquid, and then put it into his mouth.

Feeling the delicious taste on the tip of his tongue, Ando Nobumasa said with a smile.

"Your Excellency the Ambassador can try some Japanese sake!"

"Although Japanese sake is not as good as Tang Dynasty rice wine, it also tastes unique."

As he spoke, Ando Nobumasa personally poured a glass of sake for Zhao Xinpei.

Zhao Xinpei didn't hesitate and drank the sake in one gulp.

Compared with white wine, sake has a lower alcohol content and is easier to drink. Although the taste is a little lighter, it is still a good choice to accompany meals to relieve greasiness.

Seeing Zhao Xinpei finish the sake in the glass, Ando Nobumasa finally got down to business.

"Your Excellency, this is what happened."

"I came here today to discuss something with you."

"Isn't the Tang Dynasty preparing to intervene in the North American Civil War?"

“I wonder if Japan can also get involved?”

"The whole shogunate will definitely follow the lead of the Tang Dynasty!"

After learning that the Tang Dynasty was preparing to get involved in the war in North America, the shogunate began to have ideas.

I want to get involved and reap some benefits.

How to put it, because the Japanese people live on an island, they are naturally full of yearning for the mainland.

Since they couldn't afford to offend the Tang Dynasty, they set their sights on North America.

Well, North America is also a continent.

If Japan follows the Tang Dynasty to fight a war in North America, maybe they can get a piece of land?
Even if we can't get the land, we can still get some benefits, such as war reparations or a trade treaty, that's also okay!

When Zhao Xinpei heard this, the movement of the wine glass in his hand paused obviously, but he still spoke.

"I can make an application to the court on behalf of the shogunate."

"But I can't say for sure whether the court agrees."

"But I think it shouldn't be a big problem. Since the Western countries can participate in the coalition organized by the Tang Dynasty, Japan should be able to do so as well..."

(End of this chapter)