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Text Volume 4 British Section 1 National Policy (Part 1)

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    Dragon Flag Volume Four British Festival One National Policy (Part 1)

    It is day and night, Yokohama Fuki Tower, Japan

    The Duke of Xiyuan Temple rests his head on his hands.  He was lying on the couch, tossing and turning, as if sleeping but not awake.  Huashan Ziji has left.  After getting a quite satisfactory reply from Ito Hirobumi during the day.  The Navy Minister of the Japanese Empire immediately bid farewell to Ito Hirobumi.  Then we took the train all night and rushed back to Tokyo.  However, Xiyuan Temple Gongwang's state of mind fell to the bottom because of this incident!

    After a few more twists and turns.  Realizing that he could no longer sleep well tonight, Gong Wang of Xiyuan Temple simply undressed and stood up.  He put on his clogs.  He pushed open the sliding door at the door of the Japanese room and walked out.  The sky outside was so clear that there wasn't a cloud in sight.  It makes the dark blue sky look even more lonely and spacious.  The stars of varying density extend far to the endless end.  From time to time it flashes mysteriously.  A bright crescent moon hung high in the sky, as clear as if it had been washed by water.  A circle of lavender moon halo surrounded it vaguely.

    The soft moonlight fell dimly.  Fugui Building features a hilltop, deep overhangs, raised floors, outdoor platforms, and horizontal wooden siding exterior walls.  Roofs covered with cypress bark, etc.  There is also a pavilion corner half hidden among the cherry blossom trees.  The wind chimes under the deep overhanging eaves seemed to be coated with a layer of light blue frost.  Everything is bathed in silence and darkness.  A gust of autumn wind blew by.  The wind chimes under the eaves made a crisp ringing sound.  The cold floral fragrance comes in waves with the wind.  This made Mr. Xiyuan Temple tremble all over.  It seems that even the smoldering haze in my heart has dissipated a lot.  Stepping on the moss-covered ground, he walked eastwards along the main building of Fugui Building.  After walking through a dark alleyway between two Japanese-style rooms.  Then he suddenly stood still - under the charming moonlight.  A vigorous figure is dancing with a sword in the moonlight.  The Japanese sword in his palm was slashing fiercely.  He stepped barefoot on the white-sand practice field.  There were bursts of very rhythmic rustling sounds.

    Ito Hirobumi finally thrust the last sword at the illusory opponent.  He just took back the Japanese sword in his hand.  I heard a sparse but extremely clear applause from beside me.

    "I have long heard that Ito-kun is a master of Shinto Muken-ryu. I saw him today. He is indeed well-deserved."  Saionji Temple's public minister sincerely praised him: "There have always been many masters of swordsmanship among the patriots of the Tokugawa Restoration."  For example, Sakamoto Ryoma, Katsura Kogoro, etc. were all famous swordsmen in the world.  He had long heard that Ito Hirobumi was also a good player.  When he was young, he even escaped the pursuit of the Shinsengumi with a Japanese sword.  But even though the two have known each other for many years.  But it was also tonight that he saw Ito's swordsmanship for the first time.

    "Chiba of skill, Momoi of position, Saito of strength".  Ito Hirobumi stared at the Hyakuren Japanese sword with the word "Muramasa" engraved on the blade near the hilt in his hand.  He seemed completely unaware of the praise he received from Xiyuan Temple.  "I am really old. Both my momentum and strength are far inferior to those of the pastI am no longer able to do what I want"

    The Duke of Xiyuan Temple walked forward in silence.  I took over the Muramasa sword from Ito Hirobumi.  He frowned.  The blade is as faint as flowing water.  He said in a solemn tone.  "Edo Three Ways. Hokatsu Itto-ryu specializes in one technique. Kashin Akechi-ryu takes one position. And Yakuro Saito's Shinto Muken-ryu focuses on one word "power". When it comes to momentum and power when facing the enemy  . Among the three great realms, Shinto Wu-Nian-ryu is naturally the first. But it is only because of its excessive gravity. Therefore, it is also the most difficult to last."

    "That's right."  Ito Hirobumi glanced at Saionji slightly.  First, he casually agreed with the latter.  Then he took back his sword from Saionji.  A few more steps and walked to the stone table on the edge of the white sand.  Pick up the scabbard on the table.  Sheath the Muramasa sword.  After sitting down comfortably and reservedly on the pillar next to the stone table.  Then he spoke again: "Tao An. You're out for a walk so late. Can't you sleep?"

    "Isn't it the same for you?"  Lord Saionji walked over to Ito Hirobumi and sat down.  He stared into Ito Hirobumi's deep eyes.  He said in a sincere tone.  "I know the good news that you will return as the Prime Minister of the Cabinet next year. I should have congratulated you. But before you took office, you have already been saddled with a debt of 20 million yuan. I didn't know about the formation of the cabinet for the second time.  . Is it a blessing or a curse for you?"

    ¡ª¡ªIn today¡¯s meeting with Huashan Ziji.  Ito Hirobumi made the decision to Kagoyama Shiki in front of Saionji Konobo that he would convince the Diet after becoming prime minister next year.  A commitment to raise an additional 20 million yuan for the navy to purchase special ships in addition to normal military expenditures If you go to Xiyuan Temple to see the public.  Ito Hirobumi immediately breathed a sigh of relief.  It was as if he wanted to expel all the depressed air in his chest.  He took a slow breath.  But he didn't answer immediately.

    "Your Excellency, there is a special navy fee of 20,000 yuan. The Ministry of Finance cannot raise this money no matter what."  Ito Hirobumi remained silent.  Lord Saionji continued: "Your Excellency, in the past five years. Except for the 19th year of Meiji, the naval military expenditure was slightly less than 850,000 yuan. The annual naval expenditures in the other four years were all at  More than 300,000 yuan. Among them, the navy in the 20th and 23rd years of MeijiThe average value exceeds 10 million yuan.  And the income of the Japanese Empire during this period.  Except for the year when it exceeded 0 million yuan in the 22nd year.  The rest of the best years are only 86 million yuan In other words.  Over the past five years, Japan has invested more than 10% of its annual income in the navy.  Counting the Army's annual expenditure of more than 11 million yuan.  Japan's annual military expenditure accounts for almost a quarter of the country's annual income.  and.  During these five years.  Although our country's finances have always maintained a surplus on the books.  But in fact.  Since the 19th year of Meiji.  Our country's finances have begun to rely on borrowing to survive.  First, a total of 17 million yuan of naval bonds were issued between the 19th and 22nd years of Meiji.  To the twenty-third year of Meiji.  Our government even relied on 22 million additional banknotes issued directly by banks to fill the fiscal deficit!  "

    ¡°This year¡¯s annual income statistics will not be available for several months.¡±  Saionji Temple.  There was a vibrato in his voice.  He continued: "But according to the statistics of the Ministry of Finance, the full calculation is no more than 85 million yuan. And next year's normal expenditure of the navy and army alone is estimated to cost 20 million yuan Your Excellency, the empire's financial resources have already been exhausted.  The consumption is almost at its limit. Where can we find 20 million yuan to purchase two ironclad ships for the navy? Do you want the Bank of Japan to issue another 20 million yuan in exchange coupons within a year?"

    Xiyuanji Gongwang gradually became excited: "Your Excellency has served as a junior minister of Tibetan Buddhism. He also went to the United States to study finance. You will naturally know. Without sufficient reserves, you will rashly issue more banknotes. The result can only be lower prices.  Public dissatisfaction is soaring! This is just drinking poison to quench thirst."

    "Of course I know."  After listening to Xiyuanjiji¡¯s heartfelt words.  Ito Hirofumi sighed.  He took a long breath from his heart.  His tone also became darker and gloomier: "It is impossible for the Ministry of Finance to come up with so much money all at once. And printing more money is betting on the financial system that the empire has worked hard to build over the years. It is not advisable.  As for the issuance of naval industrial bonds again"

    He smiled slightly.  "If the private sector still has money to borrow, then the Ministry of Finance would not have come up with the idea of ??issuing more banknotes to make up for the shortfall last year."

    "Since you are so aware of our country's current financial situation, why did you agree to Mr. Huashan to raise another huge sum of money for the navy?"  The resentment in Xiyuan Temple Gongwang's voice gradually grew stronger.  "Not to mention that the people now have no money left. Even if we put aside the finances, the constitution of our Empire of Japan was revised by you, Ito-kun, after your inspection trip to Europe. The opening of the National Diet of Japan was also promoted by you, Ito-kun. And.  Transferring the power to review the budget from the cabinet to the National Assembly. Broadening public opinion and enlightening people's wisdom. This is the essence of our Japanese constitution"

    "Ito-kun. I really don't understand?"  Xiyuan Temple Gongwang said hurriedly.  "Shan County and Huashan are now in charge of the navy and the army. With such a background, it is reasonable for the two of them to enjoy martial arts. But why do you, Ito-kun, get involved with them?"

    "Fortunately, Kaguyama has left. Otherwise, if he hears your remarks, I'm afraid he will put you in the top ranks of the Democratic Party like Itagaki Taisuke."  Some things surprised Saionji Kowang.  After listening to his angry words.  Hirobumi Ito was not only unmoved.  Instead, he joked with him.

    "What about the Democratic Party?"  Duke Wang of Xiyuan Temple became increasingly angry.  His tone gradually turned sharp.  "Improve people's livelihood and cultivate people's strength. Which of these ideas of the Democratic Party is wrong?"

    "I came back from Europe this time. When passing through Nanyang, I saw prostitutes on the dock who came out to solicit clients from the lowest-class brothels. Ito-kun did you know? Most of them were women from my country, Japan. They had left their homes.  Being trampled on in a foreign country just so that my family in my hometown can have food and clothing Ito-kun. Today, the largest income from Japan is just agricultural taxes, public bonds and paper issuance. Therefore, we can really rely on it.  The only way to exploit farmers is to exploit them. Mr. Ito. The government has forced farmers so miserably. Farmers pay more than half of their annual income in agricultural taxes. The remaining harvest is not enough to even have a meal of meat during the New Year. In order to  To survive. They can only sell their daughters to Nanyang as prostitutesthey have exploited the farmers to this point. Suspend military preparations to improve people's livelihood and cultivate their strength. Is there anything wrong?"  Gongwang of Xiyuan Temple spoke tremblingly and looked pale.  It was like weeping and complaining.  Ito Hirobumi has always prided himself on being strong-willed.  But I also felt sad when I heard it.

    The door of the Japanese-style room closest to the white sand suddenly "squeaked".  Ji Yingzi, wearing no makeup and wearing a simple and elegant kimono, immediately appeared in front of the two people in the field.  She held a lacquer tray in her hands.  He walked up to the two of them with small steps.  Place a pot of sake, two wine glasses and several side dishes on the stone table one by one.

    When doing these things.  She remained silent with lowered eyebrows and eyes.  Only when he turned around to leave did he look forward to Ito Hirobumi wandering among the Meidaichun Mountains.  The latter immediately revealed a naked body.

    "Yingzi".  Gongwang of Xiyuan Temple suddenly spoke.  He looked at the geisha with a surprised look on her face.  He said in a deep tone: "You are very lucky"

    "withoutIt's your business.  He is just jealous of me.  ". Seeing Yingzi turning to him with a puzzled face. Ito Hirobumi just smiled and waved his hand. He continued: "You go back first.  But don't sleep too hard.  My little cutie.  Beautiful view tonight.  Or "Mr. Yangming has a saying. I wonder if you still remember Tao An?"  Ito Hirobumi picked up the wine bottle.  He poured a full cup for himself and Xiyuanji Gongwang each.

    "Wang Yangming said many things".  The Duke of Xiyuan Temple replied coldly, his face as sinking as water.

    "It's a very famous saying".  There is an obvious resentment towards Xiyuan Temple.  Ito Hirobumi didn't seem to feel any dissatisfaction at all.  He picked up his glass.  Staring at the pale yellow liquid in the cup that became clearer under the moonlight.  He said calmly: "It's easy to break a mountain, but it's hard to break a heart!"

    "Um?".  Duke Wang of Xiyuan Temple was startled.  He looked at Ito Hirobumi with some confusion.  But he didn't pick up the latter's words.

    "Sama County is the same as me. They both came from Matsushita Village School. Mr. Yoshida Shoin's teachings. He can be said to have engraved it in his heart. Therefore, he has always regarded the conquest of the Qing Dynasty as the only way to revitalize the empire. He never forgets to go to war against the Qing Dynasty. This. This is him.  There is a thief in the heart. Huashan¡¯s demands are different from those of Shanxian County. But they are not far apart"  Ito Hirobumi paused.  He looked up at the dense clouds of stars in the sky.  Take a long breath.  He continued: "And you, Tao An, are just like Itagaki Taisuke. You never forget to put people's livelihood first. This is originally true. But as the saying goes, things will turn to their extremes. After you are too persistent, you will become the thief in your heart!"

    "Listen to me first."  Ito Hirobumi raised his hand.  He stopped all the unspoken words that Gong Wang was about to say to rebel against the temple.  "I'm not saying that your idea of ??putting people's livelihood first is wrong. Likewise, I don't think there is anything wrong with Shanxian's strategy of conquering the Qing Dynasty and annexing North Korea"

    "But both you and Shan County are too obsessed with means. In fact, there is only one criterion for judging one thing. That is the result! In order to achieve the ideal result, in addition to using the means flexibly.  You also need to know how to seize the opportunity."  Ito Hirobumi¡¯s eyes sparkled.  The tone gradually turned sonorous.

    "In the early years of Meiji, I traveled to Europe and the United States with Mr. Iwakura. When passing through the German Empire, the iron-blooded prime minister once warned me that the countries in the world are actually at odds with each other. And the man who had just commanded the Prussian army to defeat France  Marshal Moltke of the Army put it more bluntly".  Ito Hirobumi continued affectionately and solemnly: "He told me that the so-called public law of all nations is completely dependent on the strength of the country. Only those who abide by public law are a matter of effect. As for big countries, they all use their national strength to realize their power."

    "These words. I have never dared to forget them for many years. Especially when the mountain rain is coming."  Hirobumi Ito continued.

    "Mountain rain is coming?"  Xiyuan Temple Gongwang raised his eyes in confusion.

    "The Russian Crown Prince passed through Japan this year when he went to Vladivostok to cut the ribbon for the Trans-Siberian Railway. And he brought it with him. Taking out any one of the seven ships would make the Japanese navy feel ashamed of its cutting-edge warfare.  He continued: ¡°Russia is greedy by nature.  Especially for the country, he has an inexplicable fanaticism.  Saionji-kun.  Just watch.  The day the Trans-Siberian Railway was completed.  It must also be the time when Russia is expanding aggressively in the Far East!  "

    "In the Crimean War, the Russians were defeated. Their march into Europe had to slow down because of this. But because of this, it prompted the Russians to turn more attention to the Far East. They are now  So I don't do it. In fact, it's just that I have more ambition than strength. But as long as this railway is completed, the Russians can finally transport European soldiers to the Far East in a steady stream. Saionji-kun. Do you think the Russians will give up this interference in China?  Are Manchuria, Korea, and even Hokkaido, Japan, a God-given opportunity?¡±

    "Won't!".  Xiyuan Temple Gongwang said in a low voice.  "But Russia has just concluded an alliance with France. They will join forces to check the increasingly restless Germany. Moreover, Britain will not turn a deaf ear to the Franco-Russian alliance. In this way, will the Russians still have enough power to get involved in the Far East?"

    "Saionji-kun. What you said is exactly another thing I want to talk about."  Ito Hirobumi pondered for a long time.  Then he continued: "Do you think that with today's national strength, Japan can become a first- or even second-class power by relying solely on its own strength?"

    "cannot!".  Gongwang of Xiyuan Temple answered very simply.  "If the empire wants to rise quickly, it can only rely on foreign aid."

    "Saionji-kun nodded reluctantly. He continued: "I am reading "The Biography of Napoleon" recently.  I often hide my thoughts for a long time.  Take Napoleon.  The talents of Bonaparte and the strength of France.  Why did he end up dying on St. Helena Island in the end?  "

    "The final conclusion is actually very simple. Because Napoleon is using France as a country to fight against the entire Europe controlled by Britain behind the scenes"  He turned and stared at Xiyuanji Gongwang.  "IPut it this way.  Saionji-kun, do you understand?  "

    "What do you mean?"  Gongwang of Xiyuan Temple pondered for a long time.  He asked, seemingly enlightened.  "You want to take chestnuts from the fire for the British?"

    ¡°Of course it¡¯s not that simple.¡±.  Ito Hirobumi picked up the wine glass again.  He raised his head and drank.  Then he said: "Saionji-kun. Can Russia be considered a powerful country?"

    "Russia is naturally a powerful country."  The Duke of Xiyuan Temple frowned.  But he still gave Ito Hirobumi a reply.

    "Um.".  Hirobumi Ito nodded slightly.  He continued: "Saionji-kun. Today's German Empire. Before defeating Austria-Hungary and France. It seems that it can only be called the Kingdom of Prussia, right?"

    Gongwang of Xiyuan Temple stopped talking.  Just nodded quietly.

    "Then how did the Kingdom of Prussia become the German Empire? There is only one reason".  Ito Hirobumi stretched out a finger and shook it at Saionji Temple.  "Because Prussia defeated France, the recognized power in Europe, in the war!"

    "This is the road of Prussia. It is also the way that the empire has become one of the five continents. Lord Saionji"  Hirobumi Ito's eyes were burning with fire.  "In the next ten years or so, the empire's national policy should focus on defeating Russia. In order to defeat Russia, the empire must first cross the threshold of the Qing Dynasty" (To be continued. If you want to know what happens next, please log in.  .more chapters.
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