I formed the strongest swordsman group

At the previous reception banquet, Seito had met with all the important ministers of the Aizu Domain, and the one who impressed him the most was none other than Saigo Norimu.

Firstly, it is because this person is a talented man who can be both literary and military.

He is a scholar who has learned a lot, and he is also an outstanding martial artist who is proficient in Daito-ryu Aiki Jujutsu. He is not the kind of worm who just sleeps on the achievements of his ancestors and cannot live without hard-core crops.

[Note: Daito-ryu Aiki Jujutsu: Originally a martial art inherited from the Kai Takeda family, the technique was later secretly taught and inherited by the high-ranking samurai of the Aizu Domain under the name "Go Shikiuchi". 】

Secondly, it is because this person has an extremely high status in the Aizu Domain.

The Saigo family is a famous family of the Aizu Domain. For more than 200 years since the founding of the Aizu Domain, they have been a family that was at the center of the feudal administration. They are related to the feudal lord and are related to the shogun Tokugawa family.

As one of the few top wealthy families in the Aizu Domain, the Saigo family has always been hereditary as the patriarch of the Aizu Domain. It has great weight and has a very high say in important matters such as personnel, finance, and trials in the Aizu Domain. Sometimes, You can also directly provide opinions to the feudal lord.

The 28-year-old Saigo Norimu inherited the position of family governor and became the 9th generation head of the Saigo family. She also inherited the position of family elder in the domain.

Ayoto was not surprised by Saigo Norimu's explosive statement that "the Aizu army cannot leave Kyoto" - if this person did not say such a thing, he would be surprised.

After all, Saigo Nori’s mother did not support Aizu Kamiro from the very beginning.

When the shogunate appointed Matsudaira Yoshiho as the guardian of Kyoto and ordered him to quell the unrest in Kyoto, Saigo Norimu immediately expressed strong opposition: Aizu must not do such a stupid thing of putting out fires with salary!

He was very worried that Matsudaira Yongho would be involved in endless disputes when he went to Kyoto, where anti-bakugan forces gathered, thus endangering the interests and security of the Aizu Domain.

The fundamental difference between Matsudaira Yōho and Saigo Norimu lies in "Which party's interests are the highest priority, the Edo shogunate or the Aizu clan."

The former swears to abide by his family's motto to the death and regards "helping the curtain" as his responsibility.

As for the latter, because his family is truly closely bound to the Aizu Domain and share weal and woe, he is naturally inclined to safeguard the status and strength of the Aizu Domain.

Although Saigo Nori's mother strongly opposed Shangluo, no matter how powerful and influential the Saigo family was, they could not be compared with the feudal lord.

Matsudaira Rongbo resisted the public opinion and insisted on going to Luo. Saixiang Lai's mother was also dismissed from her position as the elder of the family and was ordered to live in seclusion at home.

But not long after, he was reinstated due to various reasons such as outstanding ability and too high status, and was transferred to Kyoto to assist in the administration.

Saigo Noraimu single-handedly made the atmosphere inside and outside become as tense as a bowstring stretched to the full moon.

Before anyone else could speak, Saigo Lai's mother continued on by herself:

"If it were three months ago, we in Aizu would indeed have the obligation to attack the enemy."

"But now, 'putting down the unrest in the capital' has become the mission of the governor."

"Nowadays, we in Aizu have only one power and responsibility - to monitor Sa and Naga and protect the imperial court!"

"Everything other than this is outside the scope of our mission."

"We are just performing our duties and fulfilling our responsibilities. There is nothing inappropriate. Please forgive me."

"So, everyone in the Zhenfu Mansion, please find a way to calm down the situation."

After saying that, Saigo Laimu folded her arms in front of her chest, closed her eyes, and said, "I'm done. If you have anything to refute, just say it! I'm all ears!"

Hijikata Toshizo's face was so dark that it looked as if he had been stained by ink.

Isamu Kondo clasped his hands on his legs.

Even Shannan Keisuke, who had always been good-tempered, had a bad expression at this time.

However... although Saigo Norimu's tone and content are very irritating, what people have to agree with is that these claims he made are not correct at all.

The original intention of establishing the post of governor of Gyeonggi Province was to reduce the pressure of peace and security.

In other words, the governor of Gyeonggi Province cut off part of the original functions of the guardianship of Kyoto.

After "decentralization", the responsibilities of both parties are clearly divided.

Matsudaira Yongho monitored and contained Satsuma and Choshu to protect the imperial court.

Qingdeng maintained public security in Kyoto, governed the capital, and supervised the execution of the party.

An outbreak in the Ise area... This is something that Ayonobu should worry about, and it is not under the control of Matsudaira Yoshiho.

Therefore, Saigo Laimu's idea of ​​"sitting on the sidelines" is indeed impeccable and cannot be faulted.

Judging from the scope of its functions, the Aizu Army really had no reason to send troops to quell Ichiku.

However, as soon as Saigo Laimu finished speaking, a loud voice of opposition sounded from the back:

"Master Xixiang, what you said is wrong!"

The speaker was not from the Shinsengumi side, but another elder of the Aizu clan—Sagawa Kanbei.

Just like there are many elders in the shogunate, in order to prevent usurpation of power, there is not only one elder in each vassal state, and the power of the prime minister is divided into infinite details.

Speaking of this Sagawa Kanbei, he is also a famous hero.

According to legend, this man was proficient in swordsmanship and equestrian skills. He was brave, courageous and skilled. He was one of the most powerful generals in the Aizu clan and was known as the "Oni no Kanbei".

Judging from his appearance alone, he does look like a fierce general.

He has thick eyebrows and big eyes, and a strong build. His thin clothes cannot hide his muscular body, and his neck is as thick as his head.

Unlike Saigo Norimu, Sagawa Kanbei and Matsudaira Yoho are of the same mind and are a firm "Samu faction".

Saigo Norimu slowly opened her eyes halfway and glanced at Sagawa Kanbei not far away.

"Oh? Lord Sagawa, may I ask if there is anything wrong with what I said just now?"

Sagawa Kanbei sneered, raised his head, and spoke eloquently:

"Sir Saigo, it is indeed as I said."

"It is not our responsibility to pacify Ise's Toichiku."

"However, the bandit army is rushing towards Kyoto with great momentum!"

"Such actions have seriously threatened the security of the imperial court!"

"The imperial court is already in danger. Is it possible that we don't have a reason to send troops yet?"

As soon as Sagawa Kanbei finished speaking, Saigo Norimu snorted unceremoniously:

"Sagawa-sama, what you said is so impassioned!"

"But, let me ask you this: If Sa and Chang take the opportunity to cause trouble when we are out of the city to fight against thieves, what should we do?"

"The current situation in Kyoto is quite delicate."

"The curtain, the Sa, and the Chang are the three pillars."

"If any party increases its power, or if any party's power is weakened, the current fragile balance will collapse instantly."

"At that time, who will bear this responsibility?"

"Who can take on such a heavy responsibility?"

Sagawa Kanbei retorted vigorously.

"Of course I know that Sa and Chang will most likely make trouble while our troops are empty."

"So, we only need to dispatch part of the army!"

"At the end of the day, the invading bandit army is just a bunch of farmers who don't know how to live or die!"

"How can these guys who only know how to wield hoes have any fighting ability? At most, they can only bully the unarmed people! Why are they our opponents?"

"As long as we deploy half of our military strength, and with the help of the Shinsengumi, we can definitely defeat the bandit army!"

"You only need to kill a part of the bandit army, and the rest will scatter like birds and beasts!"

There are currently 1,000 Aizu troops stationed in Beijing, half of which is 500 troops.

Finally, Sagawa Kanbei added loudly:

"Even if there are only 500 soldiers left, it is enough to contain Sa and Chang!"

After hearing this, Xixiang Lai's mother showed an even more blatant look of ridicule on her face.

"Hmph! 'Even if there are only 500 soldiers left, it will be enough to contain Sa and Chang'... What a piece of confident insight!"

"Our victory is based on underestimating the enemy. We are really lucky to have a general like you!"

Sagawa Kanbei twitched the corners of his mouth a few times, and there was also a mocking look on his face that was afraid that the other party would not see it.

"You shouted 'None of my business' and shivered in the city. Your courage and irresponsibility make me ashamed!"

Invisible gunpowder smoke is spreading everywhere... No one on either side will give way to the other.

The so-called "defending the imperial court" already has considerable room for maneuver.

He could either use the banner of "King Qin" to go out to conquer the foreign enemies approaching Kyoto, or he could use the same name to stay out of the situation.

At this time, another person interrupted:

"You are all so rude! How can you make such a fuss in front of the feudal lord and the governor?"

It was Yamakawa Bie, the elder of the Aizu clan again, as he said this, he glanced back and forth at Saigo Nori's mother and Sagawa Kanbei, with a look of helplessness on his old face.

Among the generally younger decision-makers of the Aizu Domain - Matsudaira Yoho, Saigo Norimu and Sagawa Norimu are all young people in their 20s and 30s - the gray-haired Yamakawa Bei is undoubtedly a mature man. A sophisticated old man.

Yamakawa Bie, who has a kind-hearted and honest personality, has always presented himself as a good old man.

After inheriting the position of the family elder, he was mainly responsible for financial work and loyally assisted Matsudaira Yongho.

With his highly respected status and strong skills, he rebuilt the Aizu Domain's finances and greatly increased the Aizu Domain's financial revenue.

It is no exaggeration to say that it was thanks to Yamakawa Bie's financial management skills that Matsudaira Rong retained the confidence to go to Luo.

The "blame-shifting faction" led by Saigo Norimu opposed the Aizu Domain's war.

The "militant faction" headed by Sagawa Kanbei supported the Aizu Domain in going to war.

The "fishing faction" headed by Shanchuan Bingwei is constantly fighting.

At this time, the Aizu ministers gathered in the meeting room, only a dozen or so people in total, were able to divide into three distinct factions... One has to sigh: Party strife is really everywhere!

On the other hand, the Zhenfu Mansion was much quieter.

After all... they didn't have a choice.

The Aizu side can cite a hundred reasons to refuse to send troops.

Only the Zhenfu Mansion has no such power.

As the governor of Gyeonggi Province, Qingdeng had no reason to stand by and watch when turmoil broke out in Gyeonggi Province!

As if he could no longer stand the nonsense of his subordinates, Matsudaira Yongho, who had been silent since just now, suddenly reached out and slapped the low table in front of him - a loud bang resounded throughout the hall and outside.

"Okay! Everyone be quiet!"

For a moment, the whole place was silent.

"If different opinions cannot be expressed, it cannot be called a 'military discussion.'"

"I sincerely welcome everyone here to express their opinions."

"But! Ridiculing and insulting each other is another matter!"

"How can we, who are both pillars of Aizu, be like a country shrew who repeatedly hurts others with vicious words?"

"I hope you will pay more attention!"

The feudal lord has spoken... Saigo Norimu and Sagawa Kanbei both bowed and apologized.

"...There is one thing that really puzzles me."

Suddenly, Shannan Keisuke said.

Finally, someone from the Zhenfu Mansion spoke.

Matsudaira Yōho and other Aizu ministers, including Saigo Norimu, listened unconsciously.

"This incident happened too suddenly."

"Did they directly start a riot? Didn't they make any demands to the local lords?"

As soon as these words came out, everyone at the scene looked at me and me, as if trying to find the answer on each other's faces.

According to textual research, Ikaku was first initiated during the Muromachi Shogunate era.

Seriously speaking, Yikui does not necessarily require an armed uprising, it is more like an "armed protest."

Farmers whose lives are too difficult to survive mostly negotiate for their own demands - such as asking for tax cuts and grain releases - and only when the negotiations break down do they start armed uprisings.

Usually during bad harvest seasons, or when people were suffering from exploitation by loan sharks, they would launch riots to demand the cancellation of the annual tribute, or a "moral decree" to invalidate the loan contract.

Generally speaking, most of the time, the local lords - especially the lords of each vassal - will be happy to listen to and agree to the people's demands when a rebellion breaks out.

"Cutting down the feudal lords" has always been the basic national policy of the Edo shogunate.

Looking back on the past two hundred years or so, we can see how many families have been cut off from their vassals, transferred to feudal lords, and eliminated from the country.

If a large-scale peasant uprising broke out, the local feudal lord would definitely be in trouble.

Even if the rebellion is successfully suppressed in the end, the shogunate will impose severe punishments such as cutting down the vassal, transferring the title, or even exterminating the country.

Therefore, whenever a war breaks out in a certain place, the lords of that place will try their best to comply with the people's requests for fear of being punished by the shogunate to avoid the expansion of the war. As long as there is no armed uprising, everything else is easy to deal with. .

Just when everyone was deeply puzzled by the sudden outbreak of this uprising, Qingdeng's voice suddenly sounded:

"Let's think about this kind of thing later."

"No matter what, what we should do now remains the same - send troops to defeat them!"

Having said this, Qingden turned to look at Matsudaira Yongho.

"Due to the late formation of the army, the Shinsengumi currently does not have a mature cavalry, archers or iron artillery team."

"Higo-sama, how about this - can you lend me some of the cavalry, archers and iron gunners?"

"As long as I can get the support of these three...especially the archers and iron gunners, I will be confident to defeat the bandit army!"

As he spoke, he leaned over to look at the map on the low table.

"The bandit army has raised troops in Ise and is heading towards Kyoto."

"In this case, the best place to meet..."

Qingden stretched out his right index finger, placed it against the square black dot representing Kyoto on the map, and slowly slid it toward the lower right corner.

After a while, his finger stopped somewhere southeast of Kyoto.

"Iga! We will meet the bandit army in Iga!"

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Today is the last day of this month! Book friends who still have monthly votes on hand, please be sure to vote for this book! (Crying leopard head.jpg)

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PS: The elders of the Aizu clan who appear in this chapter are all historical figures. Everyone just needs to remember Saigo Yorimu and Sagawa Kanbei. Aizu is Aoto's ally, so there will be no shortage of scenes between these two in the future.