Chapter 159
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 159
Chapter Title: Sowing Discord (2)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
“To understand why Japan must establish relations with the British Empire, you first need to properly recognize the current situation. Russia is presently at war with the Qing Dynasty, and in all likelihood, Qing will lose the Maritime Province to them.”
“We are aware of that much. We have also heard that Joseon is attempting to sign a non-aggression pact with Russia through the British Empire.”
“Indeed. In that case, the Japanese side will likely think, ‘We can just do the same as Joseon.’ But is that really the case?”
“What do you mean by that... Are you suggesting Russia has its eyes on us?”
“Of course. And it’s not just Russia. France, too, will devour the Nguyễn dynasty of Vietnam and then set its sights on Japan. This land, which serves as a bridgehead from Asia to the Pacific, is far more valuable than you might think.”
Mori, who had spent his entire life as a frog in the well of Northeast Asia, naturally couldn't fully comprehend what I was saying.
Of course, since I was making most of it up as I went, it was normal for him not to understand.
But when someone speaks with such a serious tone about something that sounds incredibly specialized, a person with limited knowledge is bound to be overwhelmed.
“But if that’s the case, Joseon wouldn’t be much different.”
“It is different. From Russia’s perspective, Joseon is connected by land, so they believe they can march down whenever they please. A non-aggression pact? It sounds nice, but history is littered with examples of nations that trusted such words only to be stabbed in the back. However, since Japan is an island surrounded by the sea, they will want to establish relations by any means necessary when the opportunity arises. Furthermore, not only France but also my own country would try to prevent Russia from extending its influence to Japan at all costs, as it would endanger all our colonies in Asia.”
By adding a bit of exaggeration and creating a frightening atmosphere with a scenario that could very well happen, Mori’s eyes gradually filled with gravity.
“Are there many among the daimyos who currently oppose the Shogunate establishing relations with the British Empire?”
“...Not to the point of opposition. But no matter how esteemed Your Highness is, Igirisu is still a Western nation, is it not? So there are those who are concerned.”
“I certainly understand that sentiment. However, if a storm is already on the horizon, and you do nothing but pray it passes by instead of reinforcing your house, you will ultimately be swept away with it. Isn't it time to prepare?”
“And that preparation is establishing relations with the British Empire?”
I gave a slight nod to him, who still looked unconvinced, and continued my masterful deception.
“The Shogun has already made it clear, but I am also a man of Tokugawa. In other words, there is no one more suitable to be a bridge between the British Empire and Japan.”
“I, too, was quite surprised by the demeanor Your Highness has shown and the words you have spoken this time. I am sure many others felt the same.”
“You see? And everyone in the British Empire is aware of my origins. If you were to pick the European nation most favorable to Japan or Joseon, it would undoubtedly be the British Empire.”
“Indeed... You are the Prince Consort, after all.”
“Yes. And I plan to emphasize that this trade treaty is not about Japan establishing relations with a Western country, but with a brother nation, the British Empire. That way, France or Russia won't be able to argue, ‘You’ve established relations with Britain, so why not with us?’ And you won't need to worry about a Russian invasion either. No matter how much Russia covets this land, they wouldn't dare touch Japan, a nation the British Empire has declared its brother.”
This way, it wouldn’t conflict with the ideology of those who cry, "Revere the Emperor, expel the barbarians."
Japan wouldn't be befriending foreigners, but merely getting close to a brother nation.
“But there are also concerns that opening the ports could cause a great deal of social turmoil. Does Your Highness perhaps have a solution for this... Ah, it’s not that I oppose forming a relationship with the British Empire. It’s just that there are people who think that way...”
“Of course, I am well aware. Once the ports are opened and we become closely intertwined with the British Empire, there will be no end to various incidents. We trade with Asian countries like India and Qing, so we are fully aware of the side effects that can occur. We plan to draft the treaty with careful consideration for such matters, so you need not worry too much.”
“I see. I had no idea Your Highness was so considerate of us in Japan. I don't know how to express my gratitude for you listening so patiently, even though my presumptuous words might have been unpleasant.”
“I have heard that the true spirit of a samurai is to offer counsel, even at the risk of one’s life, when their lord is heading down the wrong path. In that respect, you, my lord daimyo, are a samurai with true Bushido. I view such things favorably, so please do not trouble yourself over it.”
After filling him not only with nationalistic pride but also with a hefty dose of samurai spirit, Mori’s lips twitched, constantly trying to curl into a smile before settling back down.
He wasn't a seasoned diplomat but a young man who had inherited his clan not long ago; how starved for recognition must he be?
“I did not realize Your Highness had such a deep understanding of our culture. Thanks to you, my anxieties feel as if they have been cleanly washed away.”
The effect of praising him as a true samurai was greater than I expected. Mori Takachika offered no further objections, bowed deeply, and rose from his seat.
Perhaps my sales pitch had worked perfectly, as not a single person from Satsuma or Tosa came to sound me out after that.
I suppose I won't have to worry about some madman with a sword running at me on the street for a while.
What a relief.
* * *
Having successfully created a good impression with those who had high potential to oppose the Shogunate, the next order of business was, of course, a meeting with the Shogun.
This was, after all, the official reason I came to Japan.
The Shogun held lavish banquets for me every day. In addition to celebratory performances by geishas, all sorts of delicacies from land and sea graced the table.
He was so considerate that upon learning that the other soldiers, aside from myself, couldn't eat raw fish, he even arranged for special meals just for them.
Since my talk with Mori, the daimyos from other powerful domains like Satsuma and Choshu also showed no signs of discomfort.
Frankly, though a fair amount of effort went into it, could we really become close just because he threw a few banquets like this?
In the end, this was all just a ceremony to show the outside world that we were on good terms.
Still, the ceremony itself went quite smoothly, and the Shogun, seemingly satisfied, arranged a private meeting for just the two of us without difficulty.
“You’ve been in Edo for a few days now. How do you find it?”
“To sum it up in one word, it feels as comfortable as being home. Thanks to the Shogun’s hospitality, I’ve been spending every day in happiness.”
“Hahaha... Home. There’s no place like home, indeed.”
“Of course. Though it is my first day here, it feels as if I have set foot in a place I have always known.”
Having visited the land of Japan a few times about two centuries in the future for travel and scams, the feeling was nostalgic for me, but the Shogun seemed to interpret it differently.
He muttered the word “home” a few times, then raised his cup to me.
“Is that not the Tokugawa blood flowing in Your Highness’s veins reacting? In a way, you and I are distant relatives, so when we discuss diplomatic matters in the future, I hope we can do so in a more relaxed atmosphere rather than a stiff one.”
Is this what they call the Ripley effect or something?
After fabricating my genealogy to make me a Tokugawa, he was stubbornly sticking to it even when we were alone, as if he intended to make it an established fact.
Since he had already officially introduced me as a descendant of Tokugawa in front of everyone, the Shogun had no way out.
If he were to say, “Oh, that was actually a fabrication,” the authority of the Shogunate would plummet to less than a doormat in the marketplace.
“Hahaha, if that’s the case, I could ask for nothing more. I, too, feel a growing attachment to this country and was hoping to continue a more amicable relationship with the Shogun.”
“Oh, is that so? In what way did you feel that?”
“The peaceful yet elegant atmosphere is truly to my liking. I personally do not care for things that are too gaudy, like in the Qing Dynasty. I believe true class is not found in simply building things large and ornate, but in showcasing such restrained aesthetics.”
“Your Highness certainly has a discerning eye. Hahaha!”
Afterward, as I recited the characteristics of Japanese culture I’d seen in museums as if from a textbook, the Shogun’s mouth hung wide open.
In his eyes, I must have appeared to be desperately studying the culture of my supposed homeland after being acknowledged as a descendant of Tokugawa.
As we exchanged cups of sake, the Shogun subtly tried to probe my thoughts on other Asian countries with great fanfare.
“To be honest, I expected Your Highness to visit Joseon first, not Japan.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes. Although the blood of Tokugawa flows in your veins, the place where Your Highness was born is, after all, Joseon. They say a person can never forget the homeland where they were born and raised.”
“That is true. But Shogun, if you had been persecuted throughout your childhood in that homeland and were eventually forced to leave, could you still feel an attachment to that land?”
“That is... Are you saying that Joseon treated Your Highness in such a manner?”
He, who had been initially shocked, lowered his head for a moment and poured sake into my cup.
He probably hid his face to conceal the smile that almost broke through.
The less attachment I had to Joseon, the more diplomatic advantages Japan, who made first contact with me, could gain.
“It goes without saying. I’m only saying this because it’s just us, but I’m not sure I could maintain my composure if I went to Joseon. There’s just too much bad blood. Perhaps that’s why I’m subconsciously avoiding it.”
“My goodness... To think they treated a great man like Your Highness in such a way. I can only say that Joseon’s judgment is truly pathetic.”
“Indeed. And to think our Shogun recognized my worth without even seeing me in person.”
“Hahahaha! Your words make my face flush. It is our policy to value talent above all else. In fact, I truly cannot comprehend how Joseon failed to recognize a man like you and let you slip away.”
Excellent. This is exactly the reaction I wanted.
“Still, it seems Joseon is reflecting on its actions, so I am at least willing to hear them out. But I can't help my heart leaning this way; I am only human, after all.”
“We are simply grateful for that. By the way, I heard that Mori of Choshu visited Your Highness the other day. I hope no disrespectful words were exchanged?”
“Disrespectful words?”
“If nothing was said, then all is well. I was just a bit worried, as there have been voices from Choshu and Satsuma opposing relations with the West recently.”
“Ah, I see. He didn’t say anything like that directly. But... Ah, so that’s what it was.”
As I subtly left room for interpretation, the Shogun’s relaxed face instantly hardened with tension.
“Were there... other words exchanged?”
“Hmm. He said this trusting me, so I’m not sure if I should repeat it in front of the Shogun. But blood is thicker than water, so I suppose I must prioritize the bonds of kinship, mustn't I?”
“...What secret discussion...”
“He asked if I had heard of the phrase ‘Sonnō jōi’.”
The new, piping-hot ideology that had just begun to sprout and had not yet spread throughout Japan.
A phrase that the Prince Consort of the British Empire, who came from the other side of the world, could never have known unless he heard it from them directly. The Shogun’s expression contorted.
“They dared to utter such insolence in front of Your Highness?”
“Ah, no. The ‘jōi’ they speak of has nothing to do with me. However, I couldn't help but worry about the impact it would have if the ideology of ‘sonnō’ were to be combined with the idea of expelling Westerners. After all, from our perspective, as a nation that will be establishing relations with this country, it is better for Japan’s government to stand firm.”
Now, do you understand what I mean?
If we leave them be, it’s obvious this movement will later evolve into one that seeks to revere the Emperor and overthrow the Shogunate. We can’t just stand by and watch that happen, can we?
But the current Shogunate is not strong enough to crush all the regional daimyos.
And the powerful regional domains also lack the strength and unity to overthrow the Shogunate just yet.
In that case, there is naturally only one answer.
I wonder who will reach out to me first. I guess I’ll just relax, eat some sushi, and wait and see.