Chapter 342 The Shogun's Decision

Chapter 342 The Shogun's Decision

Five hours after the ultimatum.

Inside a large chamber of Edo Castle, a long wooden table was set, around which sat the shogun's key advisors, influential daimyo, and senior members of the roju. At the head of the table was Shogun Tokugawa Ienari who looked sternly at the Governor of the Uruga, Takeyoshi.

"So, what message do you bring? Governor Takeyoshi?" Daimyo Matsuda, from a southern province, spoke, prompting Takeyoshi to speak.

"The French have delivered an ultimatum to our country. We open up our ports or face war with them. They even have given us a white flag as a sign of surrender, should we choose to defy them and fall," Takeyoshi reported, his voice low and even, despite the storm of emotions brewing inside him.

A palpable silence enveloped the room. The audacity of the French, their blatant disrespect to the centuries-old traditions of Japan, was an affront that stung the proud souls of every person present. The air grew heavy with a mix of disbelief, anger, and apprehension.

Daimyo Sato, an influential lord known for his fiery temper, slammed his hand on the table. "These insolent barbarians! They sail upon our sacred seas and issue threats as if we are a submissive nation! Do they not know the honor and might of Japan?" Sato's words were fueled by his indignation.Updated from novelb(i)n.c(o)m

"Who do they think they are?" Another daimyo from the Northern territories scoffed. "Those barbarians can't just sail into our waters and dictate terms. It's preposterous!"

"Pardon for my interruption, if I may share a word with you all," Takeyoshi interrupted and the Shogun gave him a nod of approval.

"Speak your mind."

"I'm sure that everyone present inside this council has never seen the ship that the French brought with them. It's not an ordinary sailing ship with mast and sails. It's different."

"What do you mean different?"

Takeyoshi paused for a moment to choose his words carefully. "The ship, it's made of iron and powered by steam. The cannons it carries are more bigger and advanced than anything we've encountered. We need to consider this in our response."

"I think you are overestimating them, Takeyoshi..."

"I'm not overestimating them. You can see it for yourself, the French Navy is not to be underestimated. They're advanced, and if they decide to use force, we'll be on the receiving end of something we may not be prepared for," Takeyoshi stressed his point, a hint of frustration in his voice over the council's dismissal.

"Why not read the letter first before delivering it to the Emperor?" One of the daimyo asked.

"It's for the Emperor's eyes only," Takeyoshi responded firmly, even though he too was curious about the content. "We are not barbarians like the West."

"I will have someone deliver it to Kyoto. I can't deliver it personally as I have to inform the French of our decision," Governor Takeyoshi said.

The Shogun gave a slight nod, signaling his agreement.

***

Six o'clock in the evening, the sky begins to turn dark, marking the transition from evening to night. Takeyoshi arrived at the French Pacific Fleet Flagship, the IFNS Napoleon where he was promptly escorted by Captain Waldeck to the Admiral Quarters where Francis was waiting.

"So, what is the decision of your government?" Francis simply asked Li Wei to translate it into Japanese.

"Unfortunately, the Shogunate didn't accede to your demands," Takeyoshi replied firmly.

Li Wei translated Takeyoshi's words to Francis, who listened intently. A brief silence followed, filled with the unsaid recognition of the impending conflict.

"I see," Francis responded after Li Wei translated his words into Japanese. "Then since we don't want to leave Edo Bay without our objective being met, and you want us to leave, that puts us in a compromised position. Thank you for informing me, Governor Takeyoshi. You may leave now."

Takeyoshi bowed before exiting the Admiral's Quarters.

"Admiral," Francis called and Admiral de Richebourg stepped forward.

"Yes, Your Imperial Highness?"

"Prepare our fleet for a war," Francis said.