Travel through the Qing Dynasty and become emperor

Suzuki Sadaichi smiled and said: "Isn't it the task of you politicians to persuade ministers?"

Mori Ke also smiled: "In short, in this regard, I can't do it alone. It just so happened that the Consul General in Fengtian (Mao) Yoshida was in Tokyo, and we held a meeting to discuss this matter. What do you think? Like?' "Okay, since it's Prime Minister Tanaka's intention, I have no choice but to obey. "Suzuki Sadaichi said.

The meeting officially started.Mori Ke first stated what Prime Minister Tanaka meant.Then he said: "This plan must be carried out when the Chinese government has no vigilance against Japan at all. Otherwise, it is likely to cause great dissatisfaction in China."

Hiroshi Saito, who just came back from the United States, said: "Mr. Mori is very reasonable. China is now facing great difficulties. I think this provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the Eastern Conference to be held. In addition, I think it is not Some kind of opportunity can be found in the diplomatic game between China and the United States, that is, trying to get the support of the United States or Western powers."

Suzuki Sadaichi thought for a while and said: "It's not that simple. The major European countries are firmly controlled by China through the Eastern Aid Plan. The United States has just defended a financial storm. It may not be easy to pull them to deal with China together." Easy."

Shigeru Yoshida suddenly said: "Would it be possible to consider using the influence of the Germans? Don't forget that they have just formed a new government, and there may be some subtle changes in their China policy."

Rising Storm: World War II Chapter 494 The Eastern Conference

Senke sneered: "Huh, the Germans are eager to get better with China. In addition to gaining the approval of the domestic people, the components of a new government need the support of major powers. I heard that Hindenburg This has been actively reaching some kind of concealment with the Chinese."

Hiroshi Saito pondered and said: "We just put forward the interests of China nakedly. Not only the cabinet, but even the elders and important ministers will not agree. Therefore, we must put a layer of sugar coating on this plan. This sugar coating is to The Eastern Conference in the name of foreign policy."

"Hehe, what Saito-kun said is very good, and the Prime Minister also means the same. This is also the reason for holding the Eastern Conference." Suzuki Sadaichi stood up excitedly, and said: "The point I want to declare here is that I What I said is not just for myself. After discussing this matter with the senior staff officer of the Kwantung Army Daisaku Kawamoto and the infantryman Kanji Saishihara who was an instructor at the Army University at the time and was soon transferred to the combat staff officer of the Kwantung Army, I concluded that the Japanese military circles should Positive opinions on China policy. And I very much hope that this positive policy on China can be summarized into a document."

"Okay," Senke also stood up and said, "This document will be the basis for the Eastern Conference. We must sort it out as soon as possible and hand it over to the Prime Minister as soon as possible."

Shigeru Yoshida said happily: "Okay, now our division of labor is very clear. Suzuki-kun is in charge of lobbying in the military, I am in charge of lobbying for veterans and important ministers, Mori Ke-kun is in charge of the cabinet and political circles, and Saito-kun is in charge of lobbying. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the United States should make the best use of the situation. This meeting will be a new turning point for the Empire of Japan!"

On June 6, under the organization of Prime Minister Yoshiichi Tanaka, the Japanese cabinet secretly held the Eastern Conference in Tokyo. The conference declared to the public that it was studying major issues such as Japan’s foreign policy and Japan’s development. In fact, the central topic of the conference was China policy. !

Tokyo in June is a good time for colorful colors. Rhododendrons are in full bloom, roses are waiting to be released, and the crimson cherry blossoms like light clouds make people linger and feel refreshed!

Yoshiichi Tanaka, the retired Japanese general and president of the Political Friends Association, is in the same mood as the weather in Tokyo.He listened to Suzuki Sadaichi's report on China's flood control and peaceful suppression of Yuan Shikai's rebels, and also invited his close friend Mori Ke to discuss before the meeting.

Yoshihiro Tanaka shook his tall body, which is rare in Japan, and encouraged him: "The Chinese emperor has wrists and courage. Now is the time when he is most tired and slack. The Empire of Japan will take advantage of this opportunity to regain the leadership of Asia." Come back! Yoshikazu Tanaka said with a smirk. In recent years, Japan has been experiencing economic crises for years. Tanaka Yoshiichi took advantage of the domestic public’s distrust of the government to focus on attacking the Wakatsuki Cabinet’s China policy, and finally overthrew the Wakatsuki Cabinet on April [-] this year. , Amid the fanatical shouts of Japanese militarists, he ascended the throne of Japanese Prime Minister.

That night, a grand banquet was held in a luxurious hotel in Tokyo to entertain dignitaries in the Japanese military, political and financial circles, royal dignitaries, black dragon clubs, surviving clubs and other underworld magnates.Tanaka Yoshiichi, whose chest was covered with royal medals, delivered a speech triumphantly and said: "This general, this president, and this prime minister form a cabinet under the orders of His Majesty, and will focus on solving financial and diplomatic issues. Minister of Foreign Affairs, and invite Mori Ke-kun to serve as Deputy Foreign Minister!"

Senke is known as the pioneer of the new system in East Asia, advocates outward aggression, has been in close collusion with the military, and is the vanguard of the implementation of the mainland policy.When the militarists heard that he was the de facto minister of foreign affairs, they all cheered together: "Mr. Senke is out of the mountains and marching into Manchuria!" Swear in public: "The way out of the empire lies in China, seize the opportunity to solve the issue of diplomatic leadership in Asia at one stroke!" Morike's statement aroused praise from the dignitaries from all walks of life, and Tanaka Yoshiichi was deeply inspired and assured his supporters : "This Prime Minister is determined to change the weak and incompetent currency diplomacy, take on the mission of comprehensively updating the empire's foreign policy towards China, rebuild a new diplomatic mechanism, and open up a new world towards China!"

After the banquet, Tanaka invited Mori Ke and Suzuki Sadaichi to the living room of the Prime Minister's Mansion, and asked Suzuki Sadaichi: "You are an old classmate of the Chinese Army Chief of Staff Xu Shichang, and you have devoted yourself to troubled China for many years. Only spies who have been able to deal with China for many years have made great contributions to the adjustment of the empire's China policy. In your opinion, can the Chinese emperor suppress Yuan Shikai and unify China in a short period of time?"

Suzuki Sadaichi shook his head slightly, then changed the topic and said: "I accepted the order of His Royal Highness Prince Higashikyu, and organized a research meeting with several Imperial Army officers. The members include Ishihara Kanji, who is resourceful, smart and capable, and the Emperor Your Majesty's attendant, Viscount Kanmachijiri Ryoki, and strategic genius Anan Yuki!"

Seeing that Suzuki Sadaichi was a young man with a lot of background, Tanaka Yoshiro couldn't help admiring him, and asked honestly, "What do you think of Yuan Shikai?"

Suzuki Teiichi pondered for a while, and then talked eloquently: "Yuan Shikai is currently the most promising figure in China, but he cannot unify China in a short time."

"Why is that?" Sen Ke asked.

"There are at least three reasons: First, the emperor of China can be called the wisest and greatest emperor in history. In fact, Yuan Shikai's conspiracy has been seen by him a long time ago. If it were not for the sudden breach of the Yellow River, Yuan Shikai's rebels would never have Opportunity arises."

"Yes, the Emperor of China is a monarch that everyone fears, even Emperor Meiji fears three points." Tanaka Yoshiichi said with emotion.

"Secondly, China has a standing army of 200 million. The whole world recognizes that the German army is the number one in the world, but in my opinion, China's army is the best. Yuan Shikai only mobilized a mere 30 million troops. To overthrow the current regime and turn things around is just wishful thinking!"

Sen Ke nodded the fat head vigorously and said: "Yes, I also received information yesterday that the two armies of Chinese components have won consecutive battles, and Yuan Shikai's army is as vulnerable as an egg meeting a stone. His defeat will be sooner or later. things."

"Thirdly, China has never lacked excellent military generals. Liu Yongfu and Liu Mingchuan were trained in the Sino-French War, Zhang Zuolin was trained in the Sino-Russian War, and Cai E and Feng Yuxiang are still there. The outstanding person who turned the situation around, Yuan Shikai’s subordinates are those big smokers who can only flatter, and when the critical moment comes, who can be alone?”

Yoshiichi Tanaka suddenly thought of another question: "What advice does your Suzuki Research Association have for the Chinese Academy of Military Sciences!"

Suzuki Teiichi had investigated and studied this long ago, and said with a frown: "The Chinese Academy of Military Sciences is the only professional military research institution in the world. This institution relies on the Chinese Academy of Sciences. It is still in the initial stage, but I believe that in the near future , he is bound to become the leader in the development of cutting-edge weapons in the world. Alas, in terms of military technology, China is at least 50 years ahead of Japan."

Seeing Suzuki Teichi's eloquence, Tanaka asked sincerely, "In your opinion, what kind of policy should we adopt toward China?"

"We will step on the three boats of North Korea, Beijing, and Fengtian, focus on wooing Chinese officials, and adopt paralyzing tactics in our China policy. On the surface, we must respect and submit, and secretly develop military strength."

Tanaka Yoshiichi said murderously: "Yes, so now we cannot adopt active policies to help Yuan Shikai in response to Yuan Shikai's rebellion. At this critical moment, the most important thing is to stand firm. From the standpoint of Japan affected by it, as far as the empire's responsibility for maintaining the overall situation in East Asia is concerned, it must adopt a peaceful and neutral attitude!"

At this time, officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs sent the confidential information No. 367 reported by the Japanese Consul General in Shanghai, Yada Qitaro. Put our underground forces there, make a series of assassinations or instigate strikes, in short, do everything possible to make China's political situation chaotic. But the problem is that the Green Gang in Shanghai no longer exists, and Du Yuesheng and others are completely attached to The Chinese government, the social order there can be described as solid as a rock, and the most troublesome thing is the military intelligence network of the Chinese Security Bureau all over the world. We must pay special attention. Once the Chinese grasp our intentions, Japan will It will be wiped out by China before going to war."

Tanaka Yoshiichi took Yada Qitaro's telegram from Mori Ke, and eagerly read it: "Because most of the strikers were originally only out of the violence and terror of some picket teams, they had to follow blindly; With the increasing power, the strike order has been completely unable to be implemented. Contrary to the situation expected by the Federation of Trade Unions, its orders have not been able to work at all...”

After watching it, Tanaka Yoshiro immediately ordered Mori Ke: "The Prime Minister has decided to immediately send Matsui Iwane, the second minister of the General Staff Headquarters, to Beijing to call on Feng Xianghua, the highest chief of the Chinese military department, to express Japan's desire to strengthen military exchanges between China and Japan, and to use Japan's In the name of the military, it stated its position, resolutely supported and supported the Chinese government and His Majesty the Great Emperor, and resolutely resisted Yuan Shikai's rebellion.

Moriko suggested to Yoshiichi Tanaka: "We can also send Renji Yoshizawa, the Minister to China, to Beijing to observe the wind direction, and we can take the lead in moving the Embassy in China from Shanghai to Nanjing according to the situation. This will convey a positive message to the Chinese government. The signal is that Japan is firmly on the side of Beijing on the issue of Yuan Shikai."

"it is good."

After intensive and careful preparations, Japan's Oriental Conference was grandly held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tokyo from June [-] to July [-].Attending the meeting were: Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Mori Ke, Japanese Minister to China Yoshizawa Kenkichi, Kwantung Army Commander Muto Nobuyoshi, Army Vice Minister Tian Shunroku and others.

Resurgence: World War II Chapter 495 Tanaka's Memorial

At the opening ceremony of the Eastern Conference, Yoshiichi Tanaka delivered an opening speech as Prime Minister and Foreign Minister and said: "China's political situation is extremely chaotic at present. Our government must carefully consider the implementation of China's policy. Taking advantage of the chaotic situation in China On this occasion, I have specially invited representatives from all aspects of China to gather together to be open and honest about China's political situation, and to share their views for reference. At the same time, regarding the government's principles and policies, I also hope that you can fully understand and implement them uniformly. This is the purpose of convening this meeting. In discussing the government’s policy planning, there are some details. As the meeting progresses, a special subcommittee may be formed to conduct special research. I also hope that everyone will understand.” (Shi Shi Contains the original words of Yoshiichi Tanaka)

The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mori Ke, was 40 years old at the time, and had relied on the power of Duke Konoe for 10 years. The so-called Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs was actually the de facto Minister of Foreign Affairs. Said: "If the Great Japanese Empire wants to develop, it must destroy China!"

Tian Zhongyi took a look at the reckless Sen Ke, and was very dissatisfied with his blatant expression. He suppressed the anger in his chest and said to the participants: "The current situation is extremely serious. The momentum along the way was overwhelming, which gave the empire a rare opportunity to adjust its China policy and rectify the domestic development situation. Therefore, the prime minister convened the leaders of the army and navy, the embassies and consulates in China, and the commanders of the Kwantung Army to participate in the meeting to exchange information and formulate effective policies. The positive China policy that is different from the original diplomacy, I hope you can contribute to the overall development of the empire."

Eiichi Kimura, director of the Asia Bureau of the Super High School, stroked his mustache and said unhurriedly: "Since we have determined that North Korea and Manchuria are the lifelines of the empire's development, I think the most urgent task is to win over a person who plays an important role in China. , to contribute to the Great Japanese Empire."

Sen Ke reprimanded impatiently: "Don't go around in circles, what's your opinion on breaking the deadlock in China policy?"

Kimura Ruiichi couldn't understand Senke's domineering style, but he couldn't afford to offend him, so he raised his voice and emphasized: "I first propose to support Zhang Zuolin, the governor of East Siberia. Zhang Zuolin is not taken seriously in Chinese political circles, but he The forces in the Northeast, especially in Manchuria and Mongolia, are deeply rooted, so I propose to always take Zhang Zuolin as the only goal, and we must firmly bind Zhang Zuolin's rise and fall with the maintenance of the empire's special status in Manchuria and Mongolia."

Senke asked aggressively: "Zhang Zuolin? Although he came from a reckless family, as far as I know, this person is so loyal to the Chinese emperor and the government that he cannot be shaken at all. Mr. Kimura, I advise you to choose someone else."

Kimura Ruiichi was so angry that he turned red, but he didn't dare to attack, so he bowed his head and remained speechless.

Yoshizawa Renkichi, the Japanese Minister to China, sighed and said: "I am sure that Yuan Shikai will definitely lose. If he did not launch an armed rebellion rashly, I think Yuan Shikai is the best candidate for the support of the empire. Back to a year ago, he was in front of the Chinese emperor. No one can replace the status of political and political circles!"

"If this is the case, we can only pray that Yuan Shikai wins, or that even if he fails, he will not be killed by the Chinese emperor, and he can still become the most popular person in power in China. Apart from this, there is no other way!" Sen Ke Angrily, he spit out insulting words: "It's all nonsense! He glanced at Major General Saito Tsune, who was dressed in military uniform and was full of murderous looks, and said, "You are the chief of staff of the Kwantung Army, and you even made an "Opinion on the Manchurian Policy". What should I do? "

Saito Heng made a big speech with the arrogance of a bushido officer: "At this moment, Japan must take the support of powerful figures in the three northeastern provinces and the Rehe Special Zone as the basis of its China policy, and turn it into a country with Japanese administrative, financial and military capabilities. If Zhang Zuolin does not accept the idea of ​​the self-governing region of the adviser, let the Japanese Empire deem it appropriate to implement it, even if it resorts to force, it will not hesitate."

Morike stood up and pointed to Saito Heng's nose and asked, "Who do you think is the right character?"

Saito Tsune immediately looked like a defeated rooster, lowered his head with his military cap in his hand, and the minister's room was suddenly silent.

Sen Ke was so angry that he yelled loudly: "Who do you think is the right person?"

The military and political officials present looked at each other in blank dismay, all helpless.

Suddenly, a loud voice sounded in the minister's room: "Judging from the current Chinese emperor's strong rule over China, such a candidate does not exist at all!"

This remark immediately caught everyone's attention, and they all turned their eyes away: "Ah, it's Suzuki-kun!"

Tanaka Yoshiichi laughed loudly, and said rudely: "Damn it, why did I forget you for a while. Tell me, what can you do?"

Suzuki Sadaichi gave a speech as gentle as a university professor: "The purpose of the Eastern Conference should be to unify the mind on the policy that Japan should follow in the mainland. It should separate Manchuria from China and place it under Japanese political rule. This requires Japan's entire policy, including domestic policy, foreign policy, and military policy, is concentrated and unified, and through moderate elements, promote its full realization!"

"Who are the moderate elements?" Everyone asked in unison.