Chapter 2785

Compared with the lavish shogunate, the contents of Satsuma Domain's military purchases were relatively simple. Although the ten exploration-class warships in stock had been purchased by the shogunate, Shimazu Hisamichi did not change his mind and continued to

Second-hand warships are the target of purchase, but it will take longer to wait for Haihan to transport the sealed old ships from other places.

However, Shimazu Hisamichi is not too anxious about this. According to his plan, he will use this period of time to let the sailors of the Satsuma Domain receive training in the Kaihan Army and learn how to control the exploration-class warships. In this way, after receiving the warships, they can

Form effective combat power faster. After the drill is proficient, consider ordering the next batch of warships.

The Satsuma clan had even less interest in army equipment. Under Kaihan's vigorous promotion, Shimazu Hisumi only ordered 200 flintlock muskets and 12 artillery pieces, which was obviously far less important than the maritime armed forces.

Of course, this is more likely to be due to budget constraints, and we have to weigh the importance and make a choice.

As for the competitive relationship with the shogunate, Shimazu Hisumi's attitude is relatively rational. In his opinion, the Satsuma Domain does not yet have the strength to fight the shogunate head-on, so there is no need to intensify the relationship with the shogunate. Wait until the Satsuma Domain has a stronger

After building up its military strength, it is not too late to make other plans.

The real focus of Shimadzu's negotiation trip is not the arms deal. Kaihan has previously expressed his willingness to establish direct trade relations with the Satsuma Domain. This is the goal that the Satsuma Domain desires, but how to operate it still requires negotiation between the two parties.

Many details.

Due to the closed-door policy pursued by the Japanese shogunate, trade with China was restricted to a few places such as Nagasaki Port. Although Satsuma was located at the western end of the Japanese archipelago, it was not qualified to trade directly with China and could only sneak through Ryukyu.

This third party comes to engage in smuggling activities.

However, Kaihan proposed that as long as the Satsuma Domain gave up its control over Ryukyu, they could set up commercial centers with the Satsuma Domain, establish commercial routes, and allow Satsuma merchants to engage in trading activities in Kaihan's area.

This sounds like a condition of exchange, but Shimazu Hisumichi understands that this is the step that Kaihan builds for the Satsuma Domain. If the Satsuma Domain is unwilling to give up its indirect control of Ryukyu, Kaihan may use military means to intervene.

Regarding Ryukyu affairs, armed conflict will inevitably break out.

The Satsuma Domain has always maintained contact with the Sasebo base and is well aware of Kaihan's military strength. Therefore, before coming to Hangzhou for negotiations, the Satsuma Domain had already decided to agree to Kaihan's suggestion and exchange control of Ryukyu for trade rights.

However, open trade activities will inevitably be hidden from the shogunate, and the private actions of the Satsuma Domain will definitely become the object of the shogunate's investigation. One of Shimadzu's missions during this trip is to discuss an appropriate trade method with Kaihan, which can both

Establishing a solid trade relationship with Haihan, and being able to hide this relationship from the shogunate.

"Master Shimazu, I think you are overthinking. You have already met with the shogunate's special envoy in Hangzhou. Even if he doesn't understand, the shogunate is not all fools. Of course, I can imagine that your purpose of coming to Hangzhou is not just for

Buy a few warships for self-defense. If the Satsuma Domain wants to establish a solid trade relationship with our country, it will definitely not be possible to hide it. It is better to think about how to face the shogunate's accusations head-on."

Baix gave a very direct response to the concerns raised by Shimazu Hisamichi. From Kaihan's point of view, he did not want the Satsuma clan and the shogunate to maintain harmony, so he arranged for the two families to arrive in Hangzhou City. Even if Masuyama

Masato didn't jump in a hurry at that time and went to find the headquarters of Satsuma Domain himself. Haihan would still find another way to get them to meet and fight to intensify the conflict between the two parties.

Shimazu Hisashi: "If the shogunate thinks that the Satsuma Domain's actions violate the national isolation order, it may try to cut off the Satsuma Domain's normal trade with other parts of the country and increase taxes to coerce us into submission. In short, as long as Satsuma can be improved

Measures taken to improve the domain's financial situation will be suppressed by the shogunate. In the past few years, our mining of gold mines was strictly prohibited by the shogunate."

Baix knew a little bit about the situation of the Satsuma Domain and knew that what Shimazu Hisumichi said was true. In order to revitalize the local economy, the Satsuma Domain also thought of many ways, such as mining the Nagano gold mine and importing local specialties from Amami Oshima in Ryukyu.

Brown sugar, etc., but these measures were all stopped by the shogunate after being exposed. In the end, profits could only be obtained through the entrepot trade of Ryukyu.

The reason why the shogunate suppressed the Satsuma Domain is also very simple. If such a remote area is allowed to have too much power, the shogunate is likely to lose control of the area, which will lead to separatism and division. For the shogunate and the Satsuma Domain,

In other words, under the current power structure, this is basically an irreconcilable natural contradiction.

Baikes said: "Even if the Satsuma clan has been timid and cautious, the shogunate will still not stop suppressing you. Mr. Shimazu, I want to remind you again that the purpose of selling arms and equipment to the Satsuma clan is to let you

Have the courage to say no in the face of external pressure!”

Shimazu Hisashi: "But no matter which aspect, the strength of the Satsuma Domain is still far inferior to that of the shogunate. What if the shogunate really sends troops? Can we change the situation just by buying these warships?"

Baikes said: "As long as the Satsuma Domain signs a formal trade agreement with our country, we can add a clause that allows our country to provide military protection for the Satsuma Domain when necessary. If the shogunate sends troops to attack the Satsuma Domain, we will deploy troops from the Sasebo base.

To settle disputes and ensure the safety of Satsuma Domain."

The conditions offered by Baikes are undoubtedly very tempting. If they can get protection from Kaihan, the Satsuma clan will no longer need to worry too much about the attitude of the shogunate.

But Shimazu Hisamichi is not a fool. He knows that there will be no good things falling out of the sky. Haihan's initiative to provide force protection will inevitably require it. It cannot be as simple as adding a line of words to the trade agreement.

Sure enough, Baikes then made a clear request: "Of course, the Satsuma Domain must also publicly state its position and support our country's interests in the Kyushu region."

Shimazu Hisamitsu asked in confusion: "What kind of interest demands?"

Bai Kesi said: "Our Haihan citizens can settle down, buy property, and engage in trade activities in the Kyushu region, and they are protected by our country's laws."

Shimazu Hisamichi felt something was wrong, but he couldn't tell what the problem was. But he knew that if the Satsuma clan stood up and made a public statement, it would essentially treat the shogunate as if it were nothing, and the relationship with the shogunate would only deteriorate further.

.As for the security of the Satsuma Domain, it had to rely on the asylum promised by Kaihan to a certain extent.
Chapter completed!