Chinese martial arts! Grandmaster

Oshima Kuno is the head of the Black Dragon Society's Bay Island branch.

His martial arts skills are at the mid-stage of the Blood Refining Realm, and he possesses a firm belief in Bushido.

but,

After listening to Higashimonosuke's words, he nodded slightly and said in a deep voice:

"Dongmen-kun is right. Our purpose in coming to Wan Island is to protect the princess's safety."

"Other matters are not within our scope of consideration."

"We cannot influence the military's decisions, nor can we disobey the military's orders."

"Even if we send all the elites of the Black Dragon Society's Taiwan branch into Taipei to disrupt the situation this time, it will be difficult to pose a threat to the Ximen Hall."

"How easy is it to hold off Ximentang for half a month?"

Dongmen Zhizhu sighed, "That's right. Although Lord Nakajima Shinobu suggested that five hundred Black Dragon Society elites be secretly dispatched from headquarters to land on Taiwan Island."

"But given the current situation, this possibility is very low."

"The northern part of Taiwan Island has been occupied by the Ximeng Hall and is under martial law and curfew. The local indigenous people have been subdued by the Ximeng Hall."

"More importantly, the sea area north of Wandao Island has been blockaded by Ximentang's fleet."

"Let alone mobilizing 500 people from the Black Dragon Society headquarters, even mobilizing 100 people would be very difficult to land on Taiwan Island."

The others around nodded in agreement, but remained silent.

The situation is far more serious than everyone thought.

After Simon Tang landed on Taiwan Island, his forces were completely different from the previous French, Spanish, and Dutch allied forces.

Higashimonosuke continued:

"Has anyone noticed something? Our Black Dragon Society's Bay Island branch has always been under the military's surveillance."

“Especially after Ximentang began attacking Taiwan Island, we were subjected to even more intense surveillance.”

“Even our communications with the Daqian Black Dragon Society branch were closely monitored.”

"The princess has been here and has not made any rash moves, which has ensured that everything is peaceful."

“If we show any unusual behavior, it will be noticed very quickly.”

"On the surface, the princess was sent to Taiwan, but everyone knows better than anyone that she was exiled here. We have no way out unless we go to Southeast Asia!"

call--!
After saying that, Higashimon no Suke let out a long breath.

These words,
Although everyone knows the truth, no one will easily say it out loud.

But now, Higashimonosuke is saying it out loud.

His goal was simple: he didn't want to get involved in this mess and didn't want to have any further connection with the Black Dragon Society headquarters.

Toyotomi Masao finally nodded and said:
“I think Dongmen is right. If we go to Taipei to disrupt the situation at this time, not only will we fail to change the overall situation, but we may very well fall into an abyss.”

At this time,

Behind the screen, Kaoru Umemiya slowly spoke:

"Alright, since everyone agrees that we can't go to Taipei, then it's decided."

“Oshima-kun, you will depart for Taipei tomorrow and tell General Sakurai Chojiro that our Black Dragon Society branch is temporarily unable to leave Tainan.”

"As for the Black Dragon Society's plans in Daqian, we can't control them. We'll find a reason to refuse Lord Nakajima Shinobu."

It is clear,
Kaoru Umemiya had no affection for Shinobu Nakajima.

This woman bewitched Emperor Meiji, even causing him to exile her to the dreaded island of Taiwan.

She had long harbored deep hatred for Shinobu Nakajima, and even for her own father.

Because Emperor Meiji sacrificed her mother and forced her to leave Kyoto, Japan, in order to maintain his rule.

Oshima Kunino nodded and said, "Yes, Your Highness! I'll take care of it right away!"

Kaoru Umemiya continued:

"The matter in Taipei is settled! Next, we need to discuss the next steps."

The five key management members of the Black Dragon Society branch were taken aback upon hearing this.

Everyone was a little confused, wondering what Umemiya Kaoru meant.

Oshima Gunno exclaimed in surprise:
"Your Highness, didn't we decide to stop interfering in Taipei's affairs? What's the next step in our plan?"

Kaoru Umemiya sighed softly, seemingly feeling a little lost about her future.

She was silent for a moment, then looked up and said:
“Have you all thought about it? We were able to establish ourselves in Taichung because of the Oriental Chamber of Commerce.”

"Although the Black Dragon Society is affiliated with the headquarters of the Japanese Black Dragon Society, they have never given us a single penny."

"All our expenses depend on the profits earned by the Toyo Shokai."

"But the problem now is that all our goods are controlled by the Japanese military."

“If we refuse General Sakurai Chojiro’s demands this time, he will quickly take control of our goods, making it impossible for our trading company to continue operating.”

"So the question we need to consider now is how to open up new business channels."

"Even a skilled cook can't cook without rice. If the Taiwan Black Dragon Society wants to continue operating and grow stronger, it needs money!"

"The most important thing for the Chamber of Commerce is credit. We have a lot of business cooperation with Southeast Asia. If we are unable to provide goods, our credit will be greatly damaged."

“If this continues, our Oriental Chamber of Commerce will have to close down, and none of us will be able to stay here.”

money!
This is the foundation of any development.

Without money, everything is just a castle in the air.

After hearing the princess's words, the group suddenly realized what was going on.

Indeed, the lifeline of the Toyo Shokai is now in the hands of the Toyo military.

If the Chamber of Commerce does not cooperate with the military to launch unrest in Taipei, its operations will be severely hampered.

Higashimon no Suke nodded and said:
“The princess is right. Our development relies on the Oriental Merchants Association. I will go to Ryukyu and Southeast Asia now to see if we can open up other channels for goods and maintain the operation of the Oriental Merchants Association.”

"If we can open up commodity channels in Daqian and sell the goods back in Kyoto, the sales should be good."

Since the Meiji Restoration in Japan, goods have been transported from Japan to Daqian for sale, earning a large amount of silver.

If we can transport a large quantity of goods from Daqian to sell in Japan, we can definitely make money.

Kaoru Umemiya said in a deep voice:
"As long as we prepare in advance, there will always be a way out."

"However, what I'm about to say is the most crucial issue: Taiwan has always been a colony of Japan."

"Although the French, Dutch, and Spanish occupied this area in the past, they did not develop the land."

"What our Eastern Empire lacks most is resources, and Taiwan has the war preparation resources that we need most."

"Therefore, General Sakurai Chojiro could not possibly abandon Taipei to the Ximentang. He would do everything in his power to fight a decisive battle with the Ximentang in Taipei."

"In the past few days, troops from Tainan and Taichung have begun to assemble in Taipei."

"However, according to the information we have received, it is simply unrealistic for the troops stationed on Taiwan Island to block Ximentang."

"The only way for the military is to mobilize the fleet to support Wan Island and have a showdown with Ximentang. That might be the only way to win."

The eight fleets of the Eastern Ocean were renowned throughout the world.

If the forces of four or more fleets are mobilized simultaneously to encircle and annihilate the Ximentang fleet.

Even if Ximentang is not defeated, it will suffer heavy losses.

but,

The target of the Kwantung Army was the Great Qian Dynasty.

How could they possibly mobilize troops to Taiwan at the most critical moment?
In this way, the opportunity to attack the Great Qian Dynasty would be missed. Toyotomi Masao was silent for a moment, then said:

“The princess is right. The military’s ambitions are too great. They want to annex the entire Great Qian Dynasty.”

“If it were before this, we wouldn’t have any objections, nor would we want to cause any trouble.”

"But now the Ximen Hall has already reached Taiwan Island, while the Black Dragon Society headquarters wants to sacrifice us to hold off the Ximen Hall for half a month!"

"If the Kwantung Army were to engage in a decisive battle with the Great Qian Dynasty, both sides would likely suffer heavy losses!"

"Even a starved camel is bigger than a horse. The Great Qian Dynasty is not as weak as we imagine. The longer this war drags on, the more dangerous it will be for the Eastern Empire."

Kaoru Umemiya nodded and said:
"Under normal circumstances, the military would naturally not care about the survival of Taiwan Island."

"Once they realize that Ximentang's target is not Taiwan, but Ryukyu and the entire Eastern Empire, the military will have to take it seriously."

hiss--!
Upon hearing this, all five of them widened their eyes in shock.

Oshima Kuno took a deep breath and said, "Your Highness, are you saying that Ximen Tang's goal is not only Ryukyu, but even the entire Japanese Empire?"

The only thought that came to mind for most of those present was that Ximen Tang might attack Ryukyu.

But no one dared to imagine that Ximentang's ultimate goal was the Japanese Empire!
In the eyes of all Japanese people, the Japanese Empire was a world power and the hegemon of East Asia.

Whether in terms of economy, military, culture, or anything else, the Eastern Empire has already ranked among the top in the world.

The Great Qian Dynasty had been weak for many years; how could it possibly attack the homeland of the Eastern Empire?

Kosaka Saburo exclaimed in shock, "No, impossible! No matter how strong the Ximentang forces are, they could not possibly attack the mainland of the Eastern Empire!"

Kaoru Umemiya narrowed her eyes and said calmly:
"Nothing is impossible! Simon's warships consist of all the warships of the First Fleet of the Western Ocean, including the 'Queen Elizabeth'!"

"Moreover, all of their artillery has been replaced."

"I am certain that once the Kwantung Army launches a general offensive against the Daqian Dynasty, Ximentang's fleet will sweep across Taiwan and then head east to attack Ryukyu, aiming at the Eastern Empire."

"Most of our Eastern Empire's army is stationed in the northeast of the Great Qian Dynasty, leaving our homeland defenses weak."

"If I were Chen Jie, the commander-in-chief of Ximentang, I would definitely choose to attack the Japanese mainland."

"However—this is exactly the situation I wanted to see!"

Oshima Kono's mind was a bit of a mess.

If Princess Umemiya Kaoru could think of something, then there is no doubt that Lord Nakajima Shinobu and the Emperor could also think of it.

The Black Dragon Society headquarters ordered all members of its Taiwan branch to infiltrate Taipei and cause trouble, even going so far as to assassinate Chen Jie, the leader of the Ximen Hall, at any cost.

Their goal was not only to hold off Ximentang, but also to sacrifice the entire Black Dragon Society's Bay Island branch!

hiss--!
Thinking of this, Oshima Kuno was thrown into a state of utter confusion.

He took a deep breath and said, "Your Highness, what should we do next?"

The atmosphere suddenly became solemn.

The princess's decision will affect the fate of everyone in the Black Dragon Society's Bay Island branch.

Is it leaving Taiwan for Southeast Asia?

Or should we remain in Taichung, Taiwan, and wait for an opportunity to act?

After a few minutes of silence, Umemiya Kaoruko looked up at the five people and said:

"We have another option, which is to join forces with Simon!"

The voice just fell,

Kosaka Harasaburo immediately stood up and shouted:

"No, no! Absolutely not. We cannot betray the Eastern Empire. Even if we leave Taiwan, we absolutely cannot betray it."

Kaoru Umemiya snorted coldly and said in a deep voice:
"We have not betrayed the Eastern Empire. On the contrary, everything we have done is for the Eastern Empire!"

"Since the Emperor prepared to wage war against the Great Qian Dynasty, many people have opposed it, but the Emperor has killed them all."

"Greed knows no bounds! Before leaving Kyoto, I told the Emperor that if he wanted to annex the Great Qian Dynasty, he would pay a heavy price."

"Now the price has come. The Ximentang has risen rapidly and soon swept across the entire Daqian Dynasty. In two consecutive wars, it has driven the Japanese Kwantung Army into a series of defeats."

"The power of the Ximen Hall is now firmly established, and the Emperor's plan to annex the Great Qian Dynasty is doomed to failure!"

"Everything I'm doing now is to save the Eastern Empire, not to betray it, do you understand?"

"What I'm worried about now is that even if we side with Simon, we won't have many bargaining chips!"

Toyotomi Masao took a deep breath and asked, "What are our bargaining chips now?"

After a moment's hesitation, Kaoru Umemiya slowly said:

"Toyotomi-kun, you shall depart for Keelung City tonight and inform Commander-in-Chief Chen Jie of our intention to surrender, and reveal our identities to him."

"The most important thing is to tell him that our goals are completely different from the military's; we only want to do business, not war!"

"Therefore, we did not want to get involved in the conflict between the Eastern Empire and the Daqian Dynasty, and asked him to let us stay in Taiwan to do business."

"In exchange, we can provide Simon with all the intelligence about the Eastern Empire."

I don't want war!

This is the core of the surrender to Ximentang.

Upon hearing this, Toyotomi Masao immediately realized the truth.

It must be said that this is indeed a solution.

If they can successfully pledge allegiance to Ximen Tang, and if Ximen Tang were to overthrow Emperor Meiji's rule during his conquest of the Eastern Empire...

Then,

If Simon wanted to rule the Eastern Empire, he naturally needed to establish a puppet regime.

By doing this, Kaoru Umemiya was leaving the Eastern Empire a way out.

Although some intelligence can be provided temporarily as a condition of the exchange.

However, it is clear to everyone that this internal intelligence was of little help to Simon's campaign against the Eastern Empire.

Having understood all this, Toyotomi Masao stood up, bowed respectfully, and said:

"Hai, Your Highness, I understand. I will set off immediately and will make sure this matter is settled."

Kaoru Umemiya nodded and said, "Alright, that concludes today's meeting. Everyone, you may leave!"

Several key members of the Black Dragon Society's Taiwan branch bid farewell to the princess.

After everyone left the room, Oshima Kuno turned to look at the graceful figure behind the screen, shook his head with a wry smile, and said:
"Unfortunately, Princess Kaoru was just a woman and was not favored by the Emperor, so she was exiled to this godforsaken place called Wan Island."

"The reason she was not liked by the Emperor was that she was too smart and her ideas did not align with the Emperor's."

"If she were a man, with her skill and courage, she would surely make the Eastern Empire even more glorious!"

"Is it really true that our Eastern Empire is incapable of dominating Asia—?"

-

"What did you say? Princess Umemiya Kaoru of the Eastern Empire, she's in Taiwan?"

"She wants to join our Ximen Hall?"

"She'll grant me any request as long as I agree, are you kidding me—?"

After Chen Jie broke through to the 'Heart Fasting' realm in his Spirit Refining stage, he became very shrewd and rarely acted out of character.

but,

He was truly shocked when he heard this news.

He stood there stunned for a full half minute, unable to utter a single word. (End of Chapter)