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At the previous reception banquet, Ayoto 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 man is a talented man who is capable of both literary and military skills.

He is not only a scholar with extensive knowledge, but also an outstanding martial artist who is proficient in Daito-ryu Aiki Jujutsu. He is not the kind of worm who can only sleep on the merits 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 express your opinions directly 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 had not said such a thing, he would have been surprised.

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

When the shogunate appointed Yōho Matsudaira 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 Yoshiho 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 Yoshihiro and Saigo Norimu lies in "Which side's interests are the highest priority, the Edo Shogunate or the Aizu Domain".

The former is sworn to abide by his family's motto 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 Lai's mother strongly opposed Shangluo, no matter how powerful the Saigo family was and how powerful their voice 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 the government.

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 the captain 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 splashed with 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 absolutely correct.

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 order in Kyoto, governed the capital, and monitored the execution of the party.

An outbreak broke out in the Ise area... This is something that Ayoto 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 one of the Shinsengumi, 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 equestrianism. He was brave, courageous, and highly 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 physique. 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 "Sabaku 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 talked:

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

"It is not our duty 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 Chief Sa takes 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 curtain, and the length are 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 responded vigorously.

"Of course I know that Commander Sha will most likely take advantage of our lack of troops to cause trouble."

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

"In the final analysis, the invading bandit army is just a bunch of farmers who don't know how to live or die!"

"What kind of fighting power can these guys who only know how to wield hoes do? 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 support 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 only 500 soldiers are left, it's enough to contain Sa, 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 Sha Chang'... What a 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.

You can either use the banner of "King Qin" to go out to conquer the foreign enemies approaching Kyoto, or you can 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 loud noise in front of the feudal lord and the governor?"

It was Yamakawa Bei, the elder of the Aizu clan again, as he spoke, he glanced back and forth at Saigo Norimu 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.
To be continued...